Speeding

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In 2023, 389 people were killed in crashes involving speeding on North Carolina roads (Source: NCDOT Crash Facts).

Speed Kills

A 10 mph difference in speed can be the difference between life or death.

If a pedestrian is hit at 20 mph, they have a 90% chance of surviving the crash. If they are hit at 30 mph, they have a 50% chance of being killed. Slowing down saves lives.

Slowing Speeds Through Road Design

The way a road is designed has a major effect on how people use the space and whether they are properly protected in that space. For example,drivers tend to slow down on roads with narrow lanes or roadside obstacles, like trees or parked cars. Conversely, if a road has wide lanes and open shoulders, drivers feel more comfortable driving at higher speeds.

Speed and Stopping Distance

Stopping distance is the space it takes for your car to come to a complete stop after you notice a hazard, decide to brake, push the brake pedal, and slow to a stop.

Stopping distance includes two things: reaction distance (the distance your car travels while you notice something and decide to brake) and braking distance (the distance your car travels after your brakes are applied before it comes to a complete stop).

The faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop. That’s why speed limits are slower in areas where there are people walking (like neighborhoods) or crossing the street (like shopping areas).