It is well known that speeding is dangerous. Not only does it make crashing more likely, but it will make the consequences of a crash worse, too.
So, why do drivers ignore speed limits and drive too fast for the conditions?
There’s a general problem with overconfidence
People often believe they are better at things than they are, and driving is one of those areas where this frequently applies. Men, especially younger ones, are perhaps more prone to this than most. People sometimes believe that they don’t need to adhere to the speed limit or slow down for the conditions because their “exceptional ability” will allow them to still be safe.
Speeding is seen as aspirational or acceptable
Speed has long been seen as cool, especially among young males. It can get you prestige, money and girls. Or that is the message some people take from watching movies such as the Fast and Furious series or maybe even from watching car or motorcycle racing on TV. Peer pressure can build into this and groups can egg each other on to go faster, dismissing anyone who wants to stick to the legal limit as a chicken or loser.
Others just see fellow drivers ignoring the speed limit and feel they can, too, even if only by a few miles an hour.
Modern vehicles make it easy to go faster
Have you ever glanced at your speedometer only to realize you were going way faster than you thought? Modern cars make it easy to go fast. Older ones would huff and puff their way toward the speed limit, and the noise and rattling that occurred once you got past it was a clear warning to slow down.
If someone injures you in a crash, it is always worth considering whether they were speeding, as it is a common factor in crashes. Showing they were could help you get the compensation you need.