The Dangers Increase Every Five Miles Over The Speed Limit You Travel, Here’s How

Speeding is one of the leading causes of car crashes across the country, and Connecticut roads are no exception. In New Haven, where highways like I-95 and I-91 are always busy and city streets are filled with pedestrians and cyclists, speeding can quickly turn dangerous. What many drivers don’t realize is that the risk of a serious crash doesn’t just rise when you drive far above the speed limit—it increases with every five miles per hour over the posted limit. If you’ve been injured in one of the many New Haven auto accidents caused by speeding, understanding the science behind this danger is critical.

When you exceed the speed limit, your stopping distance grows. For example, a car traveling at 55 miles per hour needs about 300 feet to come to a complete stop. Increase that speed by just five miles per hour, and the stopping distance grows significantly. This means a driver has far less time to react to sudden obstacles such as a red light, a car changing lanes, or a pedestrian crossing the street. In congested areas like downtown New Haven, those extra feet can make the difference between a close call and a life-changing collision.

Another factor is the force of impact. The faster you travel, the more energy is released in a crash. At 40 miles per hour, a collision is already serious. But if you increase your speed to 45 or 50, the energy of impact rises dramatically, leading to more severe injuries and greater property damage. Victims of high-speed New Haven auto accidents are more likely to suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and other catastrophic conditions.

Even modern safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, have limits. They are designed to protect occupants up to certain speeds, but every additional five miles per hour reduces their effectiveness. A seatbelt may prevent fatal injuries at 35 miles per hour but may not be enough at 55 or 60. This means that even small increases in speed place drivers and passengers at far greater risk.

Speeding also reduces driver control. Sharp turns, wet pavement, or sudden lane changes are harder to manage when a vehicle is traveling too fast. In New Haven, where weather conditions can change quickly and narrow streets require careful navigation, higher speeds increase the likelihood of losing control and causing an accident.

For victims of these crashes, the consequences are not just physical but also financial and emotional. Medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing pain can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Connecticut law allows injured individuals to hold negligent drivers accountable. If speeding played a role in your accident, a New Haven personal injury attorney can help you pursue compensation and ensure your rights are protected.

Speed limits exist for a reason: to save lives. Every five miles per hour over the posted limit makes the road more dangerous for you, your passengers, and everyone else around you. By understanding these risks and making safe choices, you can reduce the chance of becoming another statistic in the growing number of New Haven auto accidents caused by speeding.