Although we’ve all probably committed the offense of speeding at one time or another, it is a practice that can endanger all lives on the roadway. In 2018, speeding was a contributing factor in the deaths of 9,378 people. This number is approximately a 6% drop in the number from the previous year. Speeding also has a connection to seatbelt use: in 2018, 49% of drivers who were speeding when involved in fatal crashes were not wearing seatbelts. The primary reasons why speeding is a danger is that speed greatly affects the control over a vehicle the driver has, it increases the stopping distance needed, and it reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment.
WEAR-TV reports that one person was killed, and others were injured in a two-vehicle accident in Pensacola. The accident happened at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon at Marcus Pointe Boulevard and North W Street.
The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that multiple vehicles were involved in the crash.
Troopers reported that a van was speeding as it headed north on W Street and attempted to make a left turn onto Marcus Pointe. The driver lost control of the van and crashed into a semi-truck and a box truck that were both stopped at the light.
The driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene. Three passengers inside the van suffered from critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
None of the victim’s names were released.