It is no surprise that faster cars are more likely to become involved in an auto accident than vehicles that are traveling at a slower rate of speed. Speeding vehicles require a longer distance to stop, which can make it difficult for drivers to respond to slowing traffic, objects in the road, bad weather conditions and other drivers’ behavior, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a driver in Knoxville, you know that speeding motorists are not uncommon on state roadways. When you’re involved in an auto accident caused by someone who is violating the speed limit, however, the results can be devastating.

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, speeding vehicles contributed to 29 percent of car accident fatalities, or 9,613 deaths nationwide in 2013. In addition, more deaths occurred on small roads as opposed to freeways and interstates.

A study reported by Vox News reported that you have a 15 percent chance of survival if hit by a vehicle traveling at a speed of 40 mph or greater. That survival rate goes up to 95 percent if you are struck by a vehicle going between 20 and 30 mph. This is due to the fact that speeding cars carry more kinetic energy, and that energy is displaced into the other vehicle and its occupants in a collision.

Despite set speed limits and regulations, vehicles continue to travel fast and endanger the lives of everyone on the road. The danger becomes substantially greater when high speeds are combined with driver distractions, fatigue, alcohol-use or bad weather conditions. Speeding drivers simply don’t have the time to assess the situation, and respond in a way that may help to save lives. As a result, you may have been injured or lost a loved one in a collision caused by a negligent driver.

This information is intended to education and should not be taken as legal advice.

Some elderly people and adults in Knoxville and throughout the state avoid driving at night because they do not feel comfortable navigating the roads in the dark. Many teens, on the other hand, seem to have a false sense of confidence when driving at night. Research from the National Safety Council shows that motorists are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident when driving after dark. The rate of teen deaths is especially high, partly due to the fact that they have a greater tendency to engage in risky behavior while driving.

One study conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute, found that certain factors, such as seat belt use, led to a significant decline in the number of people that were killed in traffic accidents. However, the rate of teens who died in nighttime driving accidents increased, as reported by the Washington Post. Researchers found that teenagers are more inclined to text while driving at night, and lack the experience necessary to make crucial decisions in hazardous situations.

For example, an experienced driver may know that it can be difficult to judge the distance and speed of an oncoming car in the dark. Rather than take a risk and pull out in front of approaching headlights, it may be best to wait. Teens are more prone to make a mistake in these types of situations, which puts them in the danger of becoming involved in an accident. This nighttime driving risk increases when teenagers are navigating the roads in bad weather conditions, speeding or driving while distracted.

According to The Governors Highway Safety Association, some states, including Tennessee, prohibit teens from driving at night because of this danger. This law is a part of the Graduated License Program, and is designed to keep the roads safe. Once novice drivers reach 17-years-old, however, they achieve full driving privileges. Hopefully by that time, teens understand that they should drive with added caution after the sun goes down. Otherwise, they put the lives of motorists, pedestrians and everyone else on road in danger.

Every time that someone in Knoxville gets into a car, that person puts his or her life at risk. Some of these risks may come from other drivers on the road who are distracted, driving under the influence, speeding or operating their vehicle in a restless manner. Some dangers can come from mechanical sources such as defective parts or fleet vehicles that have not been properly maintained. Still other risks might come from the driver who the person is riding with.

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused a fatal car crash in Knoxville recently. Apparently, a truck was approaching an intersection on John Sevier Highway when a car ran a red light. The truck was unable to stop and hit the car. Law enforcement officers suspect that alcohol or drugs may be involved and the driver of the car was administered a blood test for determination.

Two people in the truck and two people in the car were sent to a nearby hospital. The passenger of the car, a 38-year-old woman, died as a result of the injuries she sustained. It is unknown what types of injuries the driver and passenger of the truck, which flipped and landed on the driver’s side, suffered from the crash.

The death of a family member is difficult to bear and it can be especially hard if the death was due to the negligent act of another person or company. Surviving families must deal not only with the grief caused by the loss, but with the expenses associated with the burial, funeral and emergency treatment. Therefore, talking to an injury attorney may provide some amount of reassurance.

Source: WBIR, “Woman dies in two-vehicle accident in South Knoxville,” Dec. 3, 2015