Whether it was on purpose in order to make a deadline or due to inattention, motorists will often push the pedal to the metal. Studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of people on the road regularly exceed the speed limit. It is important to know when this behavior is flirting with disaster, increasing the risk of a ticket or an accident.

 The Psychology of Speeding

 According to researchers from Purdue University, many people believe that they can still speed and drive safely without being caught. In fact, of the nearly 1,000 people surveyed, almost 30 percent admitted to driving at least 10 miles per hour faster than the limit. What’s more, nearly 40 percent of drivers though that going 20 miles per hour over the limit does not compromise safety.

 Many of the people who participated in the study also felt that safe speeding involves driving the limit just above the point of catching the attention of law enforcement, which many defined as 10 miles and hour over the limit. Researchers also found that speeding tickets did not serve as a deterrent to prevent drivers from pushing the limit again.

 When Law Enforcement Gets Involved

 Edumnds conducted a survey of several law enforcement agencies regarding the most common violations officers see on the road. Every single participant listed speeding as the leading infraction, supported by the fact that 34 million such tickets are issued every year in the United States. Edmunds also found that drivers who go 5 to 7 miles per hour over the limit are less likely to receive a citation than those who exceed the limit by 10 miles or more.

What Happens When You Speed

 While going a mere 5 miles an hour over the limit typically will not result in a speeding ticket, scientists have found that it can affect a driver’s reaction time. Additionally, studies have shown that the force of an impact increases exponentially as speed increases. Therefore, an impact at 50 miles miles per hour is actually four times as violent as one at 35 miles an hour.

 Beyond an impact, however, is the possibility of getting a traffic ticket. The National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration reports that in South Carolina, fines associated with speeding are as follows:

• Up to $200 for a first offense
• Between $75 and $200 for speeding in a work zone
• Between $200 and $600 for racing on a highway
• Up to $200 if the speeding is deemed reckless

Of course, there could be associated court costs, insurance hikes, license suspensions, and other fees tacked on to these amounts, which means even slightly going over the limit can be expensive. Our attorneys at Nosal & Jeter, LLP understand the inconvenience a speeding citation or other traffic violation can cause.  Allow us to help you fight your ticket.