Which statement about the 2011 fatal crash data is correct?

• A. Speeding contributed to 31% of fatal crashes.
• B. Only alcohol was involved in fatal crashes.
• C. No fatalities occurred due to speeding.
• D. All fatal crashes involved at least one speeding violation.

Answer: (A)

Speeding as a contributing factor means it played a role in the crash, not necessarily the only cause. In the 2011 fatal crash data, speeding contributed to 31% of fatal crashes, so roughly one in three fatalities involved speeding as a factor. This shows that speeding is a significant risk, since higher speeds reduce reaction time, increase stopping distances, and magnify crash forces, leading to more severe outcomes. The other factors can also be involved in crashes, which is why the percentage isn’t 100%. It’s not accurate to say only alcohol was involved, or that no fatalities were due to speeding, or that every fatal crash included speeding.