Most people understand the connection between frequent and more serious accidents with speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors. Vehicles moving at high rates of speed cut down reaction times for the drivers of all automobiles.
Unfortunately, traffic officials reported a rising trend of dangerous driving behaviors for 2020 and 2021.
A noticeable uptick in speeding
A report revealed that traffic authorities across the nation had to deal with an increase in dangerous driving, including more speeding. Data showed that more traffic fatalities occurred in 2020 than in any year of the past decade. The greater death toll stemmed from higher average speeds and an increase in people driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Speeding often took on a somewhat bizarre character as the roadways handled fewer vehicles on the road at times. This emboldened some drivers to engage in extreme speeding, often exceeding the speed limits by outrageous amounts. A few drivers took the opportunity to test the speeds of their vehicles and even to attempt to break time records for cross-country travel.
The Highway Patrol in California reported more incidents of extreme speeding as well as more citations for reckless driving in a recent period. New York authorities saw a relevant connection between more road fatalities and higher rates of speeding.
A strong effort to improve safety
All across the nation, authorities looked to reverse these disturbing trends through several methods. These included more traffic enforcement on the roads and public service campaigns educating drivers about the dangers of aggressive driving. Many observers hope 2022 will see a return to better driving behaviors and fewer road collisions.