Speed and Car Crash Survival
How Speed Affects Car Crash Injuries and Survival Rates
At Harding Mazzotti, LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating car crashes can be. One of the biggest factors influencing the severity of injuries and the likelihood of surviving a crash is speed. Let’s break down how speed impacts collisions and why slowing down truly saves lives.
The Science Behind Speed and Crashes
Think of it like this: when you’re driving, your car builds up energy — and the faster you go, the more energy your vehicle stores. In a crash, that energy doesn’t just disappear. It has to go somewhere, and that “somewhere” is often into your vehicle, your body, and anyone else involved. The faster you’re moving, the harder the stop, and the more violent the impact.
To put it simply, if you double your speed, you’re not doubling the crash force — you’re multiplying it by four. A crash at 60 mph is four times as forceful as one at 30 mph. At 80 mph, that force becomes more than seven times stronger. This dramatic increase in crash energy is what makes high-speed collisions so much more deadly.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conclusively shown that higher speeds:
- Reduce your ability to react to sudden hazards, and
- Significantly increase your stopping distance.
That combination of less reaction time and longer stopping distance makes crashes more likely and more dangerous.
Survival Rates and Speed: What the Numbers Show
The data paints a grim picture:
- Head-on collisions at 60 mph or more often result in fatal injuries. In many cases, survival is unlikely even in well-built, modern vehicles.
- Crashes at just 40 mph can cause severe trauma — including internal injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Pedestrians and cyclists have little to no protection. A person hit at 20 mph has around a 90% chance of surviving. At 40 mph, that survival rate drops below 20%.
What this tells us is clear: every mile per hour counts. Even 5 mph can mean the difference between a severe injury and walking away safely.
Speed Limits: Why They Matter
Speed limits aren’t arbitrary, made-up numbers. They’re set based on road design, visibility, traffic patterns, and lots of safety data. They’re intended to reflect the maximum safe speed under ideal conditions. When you exceed the speed limit, you’re not just breaking the law — you’re reducing your margin for error.
Research shows that when states raise speed limits, traffic deaths increase. Even a 5-mph bump in speed limits can lead to hundreds of additional fatalities each year across the U.S. Sticking to the posted speed limit helps protect not just you, but everyone sharing the road.
Safety Features Can Only Do So Much
Modern vehicles are better equipped than ever. Features like:
- Airbags
- Anti-lock brakes
- Crumple zones
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warnings
. . . all help prevent or lessen the severity of crashes. But none of these systems can defy physics. In a high-speed crash, the forces are so extreme that even the best safety equipment can be overwhelmed.
For example, crash tests performed by the IIHS show that vehicles rated as “Top Safety Picks” still expose passengers to life-threatening forces at speeds of 50 mph and above. In other words, don’t assume technology can make up for speed. The safest move is always to slow down.
Common Misconceptions About Speed and Safety
It’s easy to believe “I’m a good driver” or “I know this road.” But no amount of skill or familiarity can change how speed affects a crash. Here are a few dangerous myths:
- “I’m experienced, so it’s safe if I speed.” Reaction times don’t improve with experience. A deer crossing the road or another driver stopping suddenly can still surprise even the most seasoned drivers.
- “There’s no one else on the road.” Many fatal single-car crashes happen late at night or early in the morning when roads are empty but drivers let their guard down.
- “Speeding saves time.” The time saved by going 10-15 mph over the limit is usually just a few minutes. It’s rarely worth the risk.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
Protecting yourself on the road goes beyond just obeying the speed limit. Here are practical, life-saving steps every driver and passenger should take:
- Follow speed limits: They’re the maximum for ideal conditions. Go slower in poor weather or heavy traffic.
- Wear your seat belt — every time: It’s your best defense in a crash and greatly reduces the risk of death or serious injury.
- Secure children properly: Use the right car seat or booster for your child’s size and make sure it’s correctly installed. Local police and fire departments regularly offer free drive-in installations or installation checks.
- Stay alert and undistracted: Never text, eat, or fumble with your phone while driving.
- Drive sober and well-rested: Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue impair judgment and reaction time.
- Give yourself space: Leave enough distance between you and the car ahead so you can react in time if they stop suddenly.
- Keep your vehicle in good shape: Functional brakes, properly inflated tires, and working lights are essential for safe driving.
What About Road Design and Enforcement?
Speed isn’t just a driver issue — it’s also about infrastructure. Roads designed with narrow lanes, curves, and speed-calming features (like speed bumps or roundabouts) naturally encourage safer driving speeds. On the flip side, wide, open roads with long straightaways often invite drivers to speed.
Enforcement also plays a key role. Speed cameras, radar enforcement, and public education campaigns have been proven to reduce average speeds and crash rates. Community efforts to lower speed limits in residential areas can be effective in protecting pedestrians and children.
Injured in a Crash? We’re Here to Help.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. At Harding Mazzotti, LLP, we understand the trauma and financial burdens that follow serious collisions. Our experienced personal injury attorneys fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and help victims secure the compensation they deserve.
Speeding is a choice — and when that choice results in injury or loss, we’re here to help you seek justice. Our No Fee Policy means we don’t get paid unless you do.
Contact Harding Mazzotti, LLP today to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to stand with you because helping you is what we do.
