Originally Posted by the report

Traffic Speed
Speed influences both the severity of crashes that occur as well as the likelihood of
occurrence, and has been identified as a contributing factor in all types of crashes. National
data suggest that 31 percent of crashes were speed-related. Driving too fast for conditions or
in excess of posted speed limit or racing was identified as a contributing factor for drivers in
30 percent of all fatal crashes in 2005 (NHTSA, 2005 data). Fatality rates are also higher for
crashes on higher speed limit roadways, climbing from about 2 per 1,000 crashes at speeds of
48 km/h (30 mph) or less to more than 14 per 1,000 at 88 km/h (55 mph) or more. Fatal
bicyclist injuries were more than six times as prevalent, and disabling injuries were nearly
twice as prevalent, than for all bicyclist crashes in North Carolina when excessive speed was
indicated. Bicyclists are vulnerable road users, and the impact of higher speeds on crash
severity is obvious.