Speeding And Car Accidents
According to the NHTSA, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than twenty years. In 2019 alone, speeding killed 9,478 people, contributing to 26% of all traffic fatalities. This means that in 2019 alone, an average of 25 people died in speeding-related accidents every day.
According to the National Safety Council, the role of speeding in accidents is described in terms of its effect on;
- the driver,
- the vehicle, and
- the road
Generally, the higher the speed, the less the time a driver has to react in a dangerous situation to avoid an accident, and the more the vehicle stopping distance. Speeding also reduces the ability of road safety structures such as crash cushions, guardrails, and median dividers to protect vehicle occupants in an accident.
Unfortunately, speeding endangers the lives of everyone on the road and not just the lives of the speeders. As a driver, you should always consider all the consequences of speeding before deciding to speed. Because speeding is a calculated and deliberate action where the motorist knows the risk but ignores the danger, you may be entitled to recover compensation if you suffer injuries because of a speeding driver. After a speeding-related car accident, make sure you contact an experienced car accident attorney for help. An attorney can help you hold an at-fault party accountable for their negligent actions and obtain compensation.
Excessive Speeding Is Not the Only Problem
It is important to note that speeding can also affect your safety and that of others, even when you are not excessively speeding. For example, driving at 35 mph in an area with a speed limit of 30 mph can be just as dangerous as going 100 mph in another area.
Why Do People Speed?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is an aggressive driving behavior, and there are many factors that contribute to it. The following are some of the main reasons for speeding:
Traffic
According to the NHTSA, traffic congestion is one of the main reasons drivers drive aggressively. When stuck in traffic, drivers sometimes respond by using aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding and becoming angry at other drivers who impede their progress.
Running Late
Sometimes, a driver will speed because they are in a rush to get somewhere. For example, a driver can choose to speed if they are running late for work, school, a meeting or another important appointment.
Disregard for Others and the Law
Some drivers engage in aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding because they feel like they are above the law, while others feel like they don’t have to obey traffic rules. For such drivers, speeding is their usual driving behavior.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you have been injured in a speeding-related accident, contact one of our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm to learn about your legal options. Our experienced attorneys can assess your case and help you attain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Tampa, Ocala, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
