In Maryland, as in every other state, driving faster than the posted speed limit is illegal. However, many drivers do not obey the law, and this can lead to tragic car accidents. To understand why driving too fast is illegal, here’s a look at how it causes fatal injuries and property damage.
Speeding and care accidents
Speeding makes it more difficult to control your vehicle, increasing the chance of losing control and causing car accidents. Our minds have an average processing rate of 60 bits per second, which translates to approximately 40 miles per hour. Meaning when you are 100% focused on driving, with absolutely no distractions, including music on your radio or conversing with a passenger, the safest speed one should go is 40 miles per hour. If you go faster than that, you won’t be able to respond on time in case something unexpected happens on the road.
This is why the average speed limit in Maryland’s residential district is 35 miles per hour. The law allows you to go as fast as 50 miles per hour on undivided highways (roads with more than one lane with cars traveling in opposite directions) or 55mph on divided highways.
Penalties for speeding in Maryland
If caught speeding in Maryland, you may be subject to a fine and points on your license. The amount of the fine will depend on how fast you were going and whether you have been caught speeding before. For example, first-time offenders who were driving more than 20 miles over the speed limit may have to pay a $500 fine. If you are caught speeding a second time, the fine may be as high as $1000. And if you are involved in an accident while speeding, you may be charged with reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor offense.
Almost 30% of all fatal accidents in Maryland are caused by speeding. And in 2022, the police recorded 11,413 speeding violations. Thus, driving under the speed limit guarantees your safety and that of others on the road.