Is basic speeding more dangerous to public safety than DWI?

Question

I guess I'm asking, what is a more prevelant factor in serious/fatal car accidents? Speeding or DWI?

Answer 1

You can be perfectly in control of you car while "speeding" (and what constitutes speeding is all VERY relative, from country to country, locality to locality, etc). If speed alone was the biggest threat to the world, no automobile race would ever, ever be finished with anyone alive. It just goes to show you that speeding by an alert, skilled driver doesn't equal cause and effect with accidents. If a guy was doing 200mph down the interstate and got struck by a falling meteorite and died, the speed obviously wasn't the danger.

It's not so likely that you are really in control while drunk (and what constitutes drunk is alot less relative).

It's just logical that DWI is more dangerous.

Answer 2

Speeding is more of a killer. But you have to take into account that people committing DWI tend to speed, which is more deadly. Drinking and driving tends to cloud your judgment and make you do some really stupid things. At least when you speed and you are sober, you have more of a chance of not taking others with you.