Hurrying to get to work or out of town can result in a great deal of lost time, money and even personal injury or death when speeding results in an accident.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there are three ways in which speed plays a role in auto accidents. First, speed reduces the reaction time drivers need to avoid crashes, which in turn increases the likely hood of crashing and severity of accidents.

Secondly, speed increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle. Speeding drivers also may not be able to judge distances as well and could put pedestrians at greater risk.

Finally, higher speeds at the time of a crash make it more likely that drivers and passengers will be severely injured or die as a result. This is because faster speeds reduce the ability of automobiles and restraints to protect drivers. Crash severity increases disproportionately with vehicle speed, so a head-on crash at 35 mph is one-third more violent than a collision at 30 mph.

Safe driving speeds are determined by many factors, including weather conditions, road design, potential traffic obstacles. For instance, while rural roads may seem safe, the incentive to speed makes them more dangerous. While rural roads account for 40 percent of all vehicle miles traveled, 61 percent of accidents occur there.

The Western Insurance Information Service recommends drivers be aware of current driving conditions and posted speed limits. Speeding may get you there faster, or it may keep you from getting there at all.