According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021 there were 328,946 people injured and 12,330 fatalities in speeding-related crashes, 29% of total traffic fatalities for the year and an increase of 8% from 11,428 in 2020, the highest since 2007. In New York State, about 30 percent of all traffic fatalities list speeding as a contributing factor. In 2022, speeding killed 12,151 people. We hear every excuse when we stop a motorist for a speeding violation, but we never hear those excuses when it causes an accident because the reality of the situation has set in for the offender when the risk vs reward gamble doesn't go their way.  

The speed limits set forth by NYS and local jurisdictions are there for a reason and should be abided by all motorists. The faster you travel the less time you have to react and subsequently brake as indicated in the above photo. Increased speed also ups the risk of rollovers exponentially during a collision which we have seen 4 times in 3 separate accidents in the last two weeks. 

Studies also show that during car versus pedestrian accidents there is a far greater chance of serious physical injury or death for the pedestrian when they are struck at 40 mph vs the posted speed limit of 30 mph on the majority of the town's roads. The odds of survival for a pedestrian that is struck by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph is roughly 10%, at 30 mph it is roughly 50% and a at 20 mph odds of survival are near 90%. This is the reason the school zone speed limit is 15mph and the fines for violating are higher. 

Vehicles are safety rated at certain speeds (far slower than what you would expect), none of those speeds being upward of 45 mph, in fact most are rated based upon much lower speeds meaning the airbags and restraint systems you are relying on may not be as effective at higher speeds. Crash ratings are also conducted on vehicles within the same weight class +/- 250lbs.  https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings

Reckless operation and excessive speed are not worth the risk to you, your passengers or other motorists. Our agency is partnered with the Highway Traffic Safety program and will continue to utilize funding to target these offenders to make the roads safer for everyone.