As is the case with other traffic laws, there is a good reason why our state has speed limits. Basically, traveling at a lower speed both reduces the likelihood of a car accident happening in the first place and reduces the severity of those crashes that will inevitably occur.

In fact, more than one study has touted that lower speed limits go long way in saving lives and preventing severe injuries, particularly in major urban areas like Houston. However, a recent survey suggests that many, if not most, motorists just do not fully appreciate the importance of traveling the speed limit.

Of those asked, over 4 out of 5, 82 percent, said that they had driven between 1 mile per hour and 15 miles per hour over the speed limit at least once. An additional 15 percent admitted to traveling between 16 and 29 miles per hour over the speed limit.

When asked as part of the survey, 39 percent of drivers explained that the reason they chose to speed was that they were running late for an event and wanted to arrive quickly. Another 27 percent said that they sped because the other motorists on the road were also speeding, while over 15 percent of those asked simply stated that they did not find anything unsafe about going less than 20 mph over the speed limit.

The reality is that when drivers ignore the speed limit for whatever reason, they are risking both their own well-being and the well-being of others. Should a speeding motorist cause an accident, then victims can hold that motorist accountable through personal injury lawsuit. The fact the driver was violating the posted speed limit could be valuable evidence in this sort of case.