Traveling faster than the speed limit increases both the risk and what else related to crashes?

Traveling faster than the speed limit increases the severity of crashes. This is because higher speeds reduce the time drivers have to react to emergencies and make it more challenging to control the vehicle. In the event of a collision, the force of impact is significantly greater at higher speeds, which typically leads to more severe injuries for everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The increased energy during a crash at elevated speeds translates into more substantial damage to vehicles and a higher probability of life-threatening situations. Therefore, speed not only elevates the chances of an accident occurring but also magnifies the consequences when a crash does happen, making the situation much more severe. This understanding emphasizes the importance of adhering to speed limits to enhance safety on the roads.