DRIVING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS A Collision Countermeasures Presentation

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 Statistics “Crash severity increases based on the speed at impact. Chances of death or serious injury double for every 10 mph over 50 mph a vehicle travels.” – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 Statistics “The economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 Statistics Speeding… –reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, –extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and –increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 Speed increases the potential for having an accident for two specific reasons: 1. As a vehicle travels faster, more time is needed to safely control and complete any turn, swerve or stop. (You need more time)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 Speed increases the potential for having an accident for two specific reasons: 2. Greater speed significantly reduces the time available to view and judge the situation, and decide what action to take. (You have less time)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 How Fast Can You Stop? The total distance required to stop your vehicle can be determined by applying some mathematics.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 How Fast Can You Stop? First, it takes time for every driver to recognize that they need to stop Second, it takes time to physically react and move your foot to the brake. We can measure these times accurately, and they don’t vary much from person to person

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 How Fast Can You Stop? Recognition of a problem usually takes a minimum of ¾ seconds It usually takes at least another ¾ seconds to engage the brake.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 How Fast Can You Stop? During this one and half seconds, a vehicle traveling at 60MPH will cover 128 feet. This distance is covered before the vehicle begins to slow down!

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 How Fast Can You Stop? The actual distance required to stop your vehicle depends on it’s size, the condition of your brakes and tires, and the condition of the road itself.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 How Fast Can You Stop? Also, wet roads lengthen stopping distance as your wheels can lift off of the road while skidding (i.e. hydroplane).

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? The posted speed limit should be considered the maximum safe speed under ideal conditions (light or no traffic, sunny, clear daytime lighting, etc.) However, there will be times when a slower speed is better.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? “Conditions” affecting your ability to drive safely at “normal” speeds include many issues: Poor visibility conditions that give you less time to spot and react to problems (i.e. twilight hours, fog, heavy rain, etc.)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? “Conditions” affecting your ability to drive safely at “normal” speeds include many issues: Poor weather that increases your stopping distance, or decreases control of steering (wet or icy roads)

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? “Conditions” affecting your ability to drive safely at “normal” speeds include many issues: Construction zones or merge zones where lanes are narrow or road conditions are poor

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? “Conditions” affecting your ability to drive safely at “normal” speeds include many issues: The presence of many pedestrians who may step in front of your vehicle unexpectedly

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? “Conditions” affecting your ability to drive safely at “normal” speeds include many issues: Extra heavy traffic (i.e. “bumper to bumper”) where following distances are too close for comfort

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? “Conditions” affecting your ability to drive safely at “normal” speeds include many issues: Areas where there are view blocks and cross traffic

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? It can also be helpful to slow down if you become ill, drowsy or emotionally upset.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? Before you drive, plan ahead. –Considering the weather and traffic conditions, how long will it really take you to make the proposed trip?

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? The first step in arriving on time safely is accurately estimating travel time under the current conditions.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 What is a Safe Speed to Drive? Remember, there is a connection between speed and traffic fatalities. –In 1987, Congress allowed states to raise the speed limit to 65 MPH. –By 1989, fatalities on these roads had increased by 30 percent.

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 Too Fast for Conditions? Its not just about speeding above the posted limit Its about driving safely at all times and under many different conditions when you ought to drive more cautiously and slowly

Copyright SafetyFirst 2007 THANK YOU! Thank you for participating in our program The decisions that every driver makes while behind the wheel lead to a specific result…let’s all try to make it a safe one!