Watch Speed Kills

Speed Kills is a gripping documentary series that aired on Smithsonian Channel in 2012. The show delves into some of the most notorious high-speed accidents in recent history, examining the circumstances of each event and exploring the devastating consequences of reckless and dangerous driving.

Narrated by British actor Rupert Graves, the series follows a handful of cases in which speed played a deadly role, often involving high-performance vehicles and adrenaline-fueled drivers. Each episode examines the events leading up to the accident, piecing together the details of the crash and the aftermath, including the legal consequences for those involved.

One of the most compelling aspects of Speed Kills is its focus on the human stories behind each accident. While the show certainly highlights the dangers of speeding, it also goes beyond statistics and data to examine the lives of the drivers and victims. Viewers get a sense of the personalities and motivations behind each tragedy, as well as the impact that these accidents had on their families and communities.

The first episode looks at the life of professional driver Gary Terry, who died in a fatal accident during a high-speed race in Virginia. The show explores the exhilaration and thrill of the sport, as well as the dangers that come with pushing the limits of speed and performance. It's a tragic reminder of the risks that come with pursuing extreme forms of racing.

Another episode centers around the story of a young couple who were killed by a drunk driver who was traveling well above the speed limit. The show carefully examines the circumstances of the accident, piecing together the events leading up to the tragedy and examining the legal repercussions for the driver responsible. It's a harrowing reminder of the devastating impact that reckless driving can have on innocent people.

Throughout the series, Speed Kills delves into a range of accidents, from high-speed police chases to street racing to car crashes caused by ordinary drivers. The show doesn't shy away from exploring the emotional impact of these events, and viewers will likely find themselves feeling deeply affected by the stories of loss and tragedy.

It's worth noting that Speed Kills isn't all doom and gloom. While the show certainly highlights the risks and dangers of speeding, it does so in a way that feels informative and engaging rather than preachy. Each episode is well-researched and carefully crafted, conveying important messages while also keeping the viewer engaged and entertained.

Overall, Speed Kills is a powerful and thought-provoking series that sheds light on a widespread problem that affects us all. While we may not all be professional racers or high-performance drivers, we all share the roads and highways with those who are. The show is a reminder that driving is a responsibility as well as a privilege, and that there are real, devastating consequences to be faced when we fail to take that responsibility seriously.

Speed Kills is a series that ran for 2 seasons (6 episodes) between October 7, 2012 and on Smithsonian Channel