How does the probability of fatal crashes change as speed increases to 70 mph?

As speed increases to 70 mph, the probability of fatal crashes typically increases due to several factors related to physics and human behavior. Higher speeds lead to more severe collisions, as the force of impact and the distance required to stop increase, making it more likely that a crash will result in fatal injuries.

Research has shown that the likelihood of fatal outcomes in crashes grows significantly with speed, and it can be more than just a simple linear increase; as speeds rise, the percentage of crashes that result in fatalities can see a marked increase, often cited as doubling or more. This relationship is often summarized in safety studies which indicate that with each increment in speed, the risk of severe injury or fatality does not just increase linearly, but rather escalates noticeably because of the greater forces at play.

The concept of doubling underlines how significant the risk becomes at higher speeds, making it crucial for radar operators and traffic safety officials to understand these dynamics when assessing speed limits and road safety measures.