Speed and consequences

Speed is the single factor that has the greatest impact on the outcome of a traffic accident. The relationship between speed and the extent of injury is not linear, but exponential. Understanding this is important both for the class B theory test and for life behind the wheel.

Collision Energy and Speed

Collision energy increases with the square of the speed. This means that doubling the speed gives four times the energy in a collision.

These numbers show why the speed limit in residential areas is set to 30 km/h and why adjusted speed is so crucial.

Stopping Distance Increases Dramatically

Higher speed not only leads to harder collisions but also longer stopping distances . At 50 km/h, the stopping distance is about 40 meters. At 80 km/h, it is over twice as long. Combined with poor road conditions, the numbers can be even worse, see driving on slippery roads .

Speed in Different Situations

• Residential areas and schools: Children are unpredictable. Even 40 km/h can cause fatalities in a collision. Keep 30 km/h or lower.
• Pedestrian crossings: Be prepared to stop. Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crossings.
• Country roads: Head-on collisions at high speed are among the deadliest types of accidents.
• Highway: Even though the speed limit is higher, the consequences of any mistake increase.

Seatbelt and Speed

Seatbelts and airbags are designed to protect in collisions up to a certain speed. At extremely high speeds, even modern safety equipment cannot prevent serious injuries. The seatbelt works best when speed is adjusted to the conditions.

Consequences Beyond Injury

High speed also leads to:

• Points and fines via the points system
• Loss of driver’s license in the case of serious speeding violations
• Prison sentences for extremely high speed or fatal accidents
• Shame and guilt that last a lifetime

Choosing the right speed is the most important decision you make as a driver. It is closely linked to defensive driving and the Vision Zero .

Further Reading

• Calculation of stopping distance
• Adjusted speed and hidden danger
• Vision Zero and traffic safety
• First aid in traffic accidents