Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of traffic crashes. That is why the Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging all motorists to obey the posted speed limit and to drive within their abilities.
In 2011, 30 percent of all fatal crashes were caused by speed-related factors – killing 479 people and injuring 72,536 more. The Patrol wants drivers to remember that with a higher rate of speed, the greater the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. In 2011, the second leading cause of fatal crashes was improper lane change/improper passing/drove of the road – accounting for 13 percent of all fatal crashes.
“Excessive speed greatly reduces a driver’s ability to negotiate an unexpected curve, to stop within an assured clear distance ahead or to steer safely around a hazardous object. Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers and other drivers at tremendous risk,” said Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent.
Young drivers, age 16 – 25, caused 37 percent of the 124,948 speed-related traffic crashes in 2011. This same group of drivers received the most speeding citations – 29 percent of the total 289,554 speed citations issued by the Patrol. To view the entire statistical analysis visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/Speed_Bulletin_2013.pdf
In 2012, the Patrol, in partnership with the Ohio High School Athletic Association, formed a teen driver safety program, known as You Are In Control. The program aims to educate young drivers about the consequences of dangerous driving habits and to reinforce safety, responsibility and awareness. Teen drivers must understand that they are in control of the vehicle and that lives are in their hands.
To learn more about the You Are In Control teen driver safety program, visit www.facebook.com/teendriversareincontrol .
The Patrol urges drivers to call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.
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