Edmunds | Help Contact Editor Sign In | Follow Inside Line
Well, yeah, it does in some cases; like, maybe 5 percent of all crashes.
That's what the latest study from NHTSA showed. This was a study that examined 5,400 crashes over a three-year period. It did indicate that accidents involving excessive speed can and does cause serious injury, but that the death rate was really pretty small.
So what was the cause of most accidents? Inattention.
Advertisement
Latest Poll
What was your favorite Super Bowl XLVI Commercial?
Recent Posts
The List: 3 Standouts From the 2012 Chicago Auto Show
February 12, 2012 12:01 AM
2012 Chicago Auto Show: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
February 8, 2012 11:00 AM
2012 Chicago Auto Show: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
February 8, 2012 9:27 AM
2012 Chicago Auto Show: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
February 7, 2012 10:01 PM
The List: 6 Models That Deserve Greater Sales Success
February 5, 2012 12:01 AM
Advertisement
Tip the Editors
Got a breaking news tip for the Inside Line editors?
Send it to tips@edmunds.com
Manufacturers
Auto Shows
More Categories
Browse Archives
brn says:
05:39 AM, 12/17/08
"So what was the cause of most accidents? Inattention."
I'd say it was obvious, but I'm surprised as to how many people don't know this.
flicmod says:
05:50 AM, 12/17/08
"I'm surprised as to how many people don't know this."
Well, they probably weren't paying attention...
stovt001 says:
11:02 AM, 12/17/08
Speed doesn't kill. The rapid removal/redirection of speed does.
estreka says:
11:28 AM, 12/17/08
A lot of crash studies state that certain aspects were "contributing factors" when releasing results. For instance, many organizations state that 36% of all driving accidents are alcohol-related. But in how many of those cases was alcohol the real culprit?
It just goes to show that 87% of all statistics are irrelevant. I think this study is more spot on, however.
bbechtel16 says:
11:46 AM, 12/17/08
Ditto everyone.
firstwagon says:
12:31 PM, 12/17/08
The trouble with most studies is they are done to prove a predetermined point. The group doing the study is too often anti-speed, anti-drinking, anti- cellphones, anti- young drivers etc.
Since most accidents are likely a combination of factors that all came together at once, it easy to pick the one the suits your cause.
For example I read a study recently that said speed was a leading cause in 90 percent of accidents. When I read into it more, they had taken another study that said 90% of people speed (even a little) and used that number to come up with their conclusion.
90% of people are speeding thus 90% of the accidents involve speeding.
Technically correct yet completely useless.
billt9 says:
01:25 PM, 12/17/08
... where is this research?
Why can't I find this research?
Why does this Motor Authority post not cite its source?
Why are you reading Motor Authority, with a picture of a Porsche Cayenne next to it for safety research?
Please find this research.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/
billt9 says:
01:27 PM, 12/17/08
Did Ralph Hanson of Motor Authority conduct this research?
Maybe I should conduct some research too.
altimadude00 says:
04:19 PM, 12/17/08
One more Carolla off the streets=FTW!
cwc1 says:
06:57 PM, 12/17/08
This is an example of how the safety busybodies who want to reduce driving to its lowest common denominator have for years ignored contrary evidence to their assertion that speed kills.
Even those who haven't paying attention for all these years know that inattentiveness causes most accidents. But NHTSA needed a "study" that cost who knows how many of our tax dollars.