Message Monday: Don't make up your lost hour by speeding
With the winter we’ve had, lots of us are ready to spring ahead and leave the dismal, gray days behind.
When Daylight Saving Time began at 2 a.m. on March 10, we were asked to turn our clocks ahead one hour. For most, that meant losing an hour of sleep. If you forgot to reset your clocks and woke up late for work, speeding isn’t a good way to remedy the situation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding endangers everyone on the road. In 2017, speeding killed 9,717 people in the U.S., accounting for more than a quarter (26 percent) of all traffic fatalities that year. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users.
The risks of speeding are more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:
- There’s a greater chance that you will lose control of your vehicle.
- Your protective equipment like seat belts and airbags aren’t effective.
- If you perceive danger, it takes you longer to stop.
- If you are in a crash, the crash and the injuries of those involved are likely to be more severe.
- If you are speeding and get into a crash, not only will you need to pay to get your vehicle repaired, you’ll likely be paying fines and associated court costs if you’re convicted of speeding or reckless driving.
- You use more fuel which costs you more money.
Safe drivers start young. If the kids need something to watch - https://youtu.be/xs_uKR332ck
For 2019, there have been 43 fatalities reported. That’s an increase of four since last Monday. The 2018 fatality count stands at 318. This is subject to change as law enforcement reports are completed. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf