Car accidents have been a constant hazard to American public safety. The Washington Post reports that over eighteen thousand traffic deaths occurred in the first half of 2017. This equates to more than one hundred Americans dying every day, simply as a result of getting in a vehicle.
Speeding is often overshadowed by more controversial car accident causes such as drunk driving. But according to the National Transportation Safety Board, speeding accounted for approximately the same number of traffic fatalities as drunk driving between 2005 and 2014. Regardless of the cause of a car accident, injury victims are legally entitled to be compensated for their injuries and losses.
Where Speeding Accidents Are Most Likely to Occur
In order to address the problem of speeding-related accidents, it is important for drivers to be aware of the circumstances that are most likely to result in such an accident. Consumer Affairs reports that speeding-related fatalities are more than three times more likely to occur on local roads than on highways. Because of this, the National Transportation Safety Board is encouraging state, county, municipal, and other local governments to set and enforce stricter speeding laws.
Speeding and speeding-related accidents are also more likely to occur in areas which do not use photo enforcement programs. The National Center for Biotechnology Information published a longitudinal review of studies which measured the efficacy of automated enforcement technology programs. Of twenty-eight studies reviewed, every single one reported a lower number of crashes after implementation of a speed enforcement technology program. Bloomberg reports that such technologies are widely acknowledged to be an effective deterrent to speeding, but that they are currently only used in fourteen states and the District of Columbia. Their efficacy has caused the National Transportation Safety Board to recommend that states remove laws which prohibit the use of such technologies.
What You Can Do To Avoid Speeding-Related Accidents
Government regulation and grassroots advocacy are important steps toward addressing the problem of speeding. But real change will not occur until drivers accept personal responsibility for safe driving behaviors. This is, in fact, the very reason why photo enforcement is so effective: it holds drivers accountable for their speed. It is important for drivers to always be aware and cautious of their speed. Friends and family members should speak up when a driver’s speed is not safe. While this can be an uncomfortable discussion, it is one that can save lives. Create a calm atmosphere of discussion in which no one is accused of being a “backseat driver."
Teens, in particular, must establish safe driving habits early. Parents should make sure that their teens always follow laws pertaining to speeding, distracted driving, passenger occupancy, and other important safety rules. For more seasoned drivers, it is never too late to re-examine driving habits and commit to safer behavior on the road.
When accidents do occur, injury victims should seek the advice of an experienced Jonesboro car accident attorney in order to protect their legal rights, and to hold speeding drivers accountable for their negligence. Together, drivers can make the roads of Arkansas safer for everyone.
