It’s a question that many people wonder just a little too late. Not only are you considering your options for survivability during a high-speed collision, but also the fatality risk for everyone else in the vehicle. Many organizations, both safety and health-related, have looked at these probabilities in depth. But there are so many factors involved it’s nearly impossible to give a solid figure. Some factors in a pedestrian accident, such as the fatality risk, are easier to factor. For example, at about 27 miles per hour, pedestrians have a less than 50% chance of surviving. At about 43 miles per hour, a pedestrian has minimal chances of survival, but few drivers would ever consider 43 mph a high-speed collision.
Is There a Magic Number?
The odds of surviving a high-speed collision drop drastically at around 65 or 75 mph. What happens at those speeds is that neither driver can respond or react in time to save any of those involved. This magic number isn’t static. However, high-speed crashes happen, and people do survive. The factors that play a role in surviving a high-speed collision can include wearing a seatbelt, how you sit in your seat, and the angle of impact. In a head-on collision, for example, many crash experts assess that 43 miles per hour is the line for surviving.
Many people want to hear that there’s a magic number for surviving a crash so that they can be sure to stay under that speed, but that’s not a good way to look at the situation. The possibility of a crash in at the possibility of a fatal crash or something that we face every day. When you get into a vehicle, there’s a high likelihood that you could hit a curb or get into a minor fender bender. Then there are days when people get into their vehicles, enter the freeway, or exit a parking lot and are hit by someone traveling at much higher speeds than the area calls for.
Rate of Impact, Angle, and More
While speed in a collision certainly plays an aggressive part in the outcome, the rate of impact is also a factor. Without getting too technical (looking at force, velocity, and the angles of movement of each vehicle involved), it’s extraordinarily difficult for everyday people to break down the likelihood of a fatality in a crash. We see the crumpled vehicle and think, “That must have been bad.”
Crash re-creation experts take a slightly different approach. They use scientific elements explained earlier, such as velocity and speed, to assess the full extent of the damage. Often, during lawsuits or police investigations, crash experts will help reveal not only who was at fault but also confirm the extent of the injuries.
World Health Organization Speaks Out
The World Health Organization aims to impact drivers across a number of countries, but Atlanta drivers can still benefit from the information. WHO acknowledges that any car traveling at about 30 mph will require about 14 yards to stop safely. While moving at around 25 mph will only take about 9 yards to stop. The difference in only five miles per hour is substantial, and it’s something to consider whenever you see someone barreling down the freeway.
What this information should help drivers understand is that while you can’t control someone else’s speed, you can control your own. Your speed and the distance you keep between you and other vehicles are within your control. So, make sure that you can safely stop at whatever speed you’re traveling at.
Contacting An Atlanta Car Wreck Attorney After a High-Speed Collision
Following any high-speed collision, resolving the aftermath becomes a priority. This often includes adhering to medical treatment, contacting one’s car insurance company, and arranging alternative transportation. While some may feel fortunate to have survived a high-speed collision, these feelings can be fleeting.
Survivor’s guilt and the stress of managing related expenses can quickly set in. Instead of pondering potential actions, it is advisable to seek legal expertise. Engaging a local Atlanta car wreck law firm, such as The Weinstein Firm, can be the most effective way to navigate this challenging situation. Our firm not only focuses on resolving your crash but also clarifies what to expect during the process. Our team of compassionate lawyers assists individuals in the Atlanta area in rebuilding their lives. #WeinsteinWin!
