Don’t speed this holiday, LHSC director advises

Dear Editor:

Aggressive driving in its many forms is a growing issue both nationally and in Louisiana. In our state, too many drivers engage in a particular form of aggressive behavior that is resulting in many deaths and injuries. That behavior is speeding, and it poses a real threat to everyone who travels on our roadways.

We have posted speed limits in Louisiana for a reason. Those limits reflect all of the factors and conditions that can impact the safe operation of a vehicle on a particular roadway. Factors such as access from side streets and parking areas, turning vehicles, drainage ditches, the number of lanes, the width of medians and road shoulders are all taken into consideration.

Regardless of the roadway, whether a city street or a four-lane highway, speeding substantially reduces the time a driver has to react to a hazard or traffic event. Furthermore, speeding increases braking distance dramatically. A vehicle traveling at 80 mph takes approximately 150 yards to be brought to a stop. That’s the equivalent of 1.5 football fields. Anything or anyone in that vehicle’s path will be impacted.

Speeding also contributes to the instability of a vehicle when steering to avoid a hazard or when traveling on a curving road. Rollover crashes are often the result.

Last year 45 people died and another 584 were injured in speed-related crashes in Louisiana. For what reason: because the driver wanted to get somewhere a minute or two sooner.

On a 100-mile trip on an interstate highway, driving 80 mph will get you to your destination only 10 minutes sooner than driving the posted 70 mph limit. But those 10 minutes could cost you a speeding ticket, up to 25 percent poorer fuel economy and, worst of all, death or injury.

Do the math. When you calculate how little time is saved by exceeding the speed limit, then compare it to the potential costs, both in terms of money and human life, it really doesn’t make sense. In the truest sense of the word, it’s not worth it.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission urges all Louisiana drivers to drive sensibly and safely by obeying speed limits. Ignoring speed limits is a form of aggressive driving and a risk that’s not worth taking.

Lt. Col. John LeBlanc,

Executive Director

La. Highway Safety Commission