Study shows more negatives than positives with increased speed

Most drivers know the dangers of speeding. Yet, high-speed areas are common throughout Louisiana. Highway speed limits are either 70 or 65 miles per hour, which makes high-speed driving inevitable. Whether driving at high speeds is legal in certain zones or not, it’s riskier than driving at lower speeds.

A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway safety reveals that for every five miles per hour a speed limit increases, the risk for fatalities also rises 8.5 percent. That means drivers who usually drive 10-15 miles per hour over the speed limit are making their drive up to 25 percent more dangerous than those driving the speed limit.

Drivers may think they’re saving time by increasing their speed from 65 to 70 miles per hour, but the study also showed these drivers save just six minutes over a 100-mile drive.

Follow posted speed limits.

Speed limit signs aren’t just guidelines, they’re the law. Speeding tickets in Louisiana cost between $157-$300 per violation. Fines increase to nearly $500 for speeding in a construction zone. Certain speeding violations require court visits and excessive traffic violations, not just for speeding, will cost drivers their license.

Drivers are solely responsible for their speed

Driving a vehicle is a privilege and a tremendous responsibility because of the potential dangers of operating a vehicle. Drivers enjoy high speed limit zones because they feel as though they’ll reach their destination faster but must understand that their level of care must increase with increased speed.

Avoiding high speed limit roads is unrealistic but there are steps drivers can take to make their drive safer. First, never drive faster than the conditions allow. Drivers should slow down and give themselves time to make an evasive maneuver if the weather is bad or traffic is heavy. Limiting in-vehicle distractions is also integral to the safety of any drive.

The cons of increased speed greatly outweigh the benefits. Someone driving on a road with 70 miles per hour speed limit is at greater risk than someone driving just five miles slower. Those who like to increase their speed by 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit are increasing the danger of their drive and chances for a speeding violation just to save a few seconds on their trip.