How We Became Obsessed With Speeding
Speeding is a significant problem in communities across the United States. It is the most common traffic offense and also claims the lives of almost 10,000 people each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to putting other motorists at risk, drivers who ignore the posted speed limits are also much more likely to injure or kill cyclists or pedestrians as well.
According to a study conducted by The Zebra, nine in ten drivers admitted to speeding, even though 82 percent of respondents said that the behavior is dangerous. Another 35 percent of respondents said speeding is never acceptable. So, if people understand that speeding is dangerous and agree that no one should do it, why do they think it’s ok to speed when they’re behind the wheel? And what happens if you are involved in a car accident caused by speeding? A Brooksville car accident attorney can help in these situations.
Why Speed Limits Are Not Followed
Many Americans disregard speed limits simply because they feel free to do so. Studies have shown that most drivers will only respect the speed limit if they think there is a danger of being caught.
Because law enforcement’s efforts have been ineffective at stopping this behavior, Americans tend to speed when they believe they won’t be pulled over. Most drivers will reduce their speed when driving past police but immediately increase their speed when the perceived risk disappears. Some drivers even use apps to identify possible speed traps.
Many American drivers don’t see the harm in going 5 or 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. But exceeding the speed limit, even by just a few miles per hour, can be dangerous because speed limits often reflect the safest speed.
It isn’t just speeding that’s dangerous. Some motorists obey the speed limit, but others disregard it. When motorists travel at vastly different speeds on the same stretch of road, the potential for accidents and unsafe lane changes increase.
Speed Limit Origins
Connecticut was the first state in 1901 to impose a law regarding maximum speeds. It set the speed limit at 12 mph in cities and 15 mph on rural roads. Within three decades, all but 12 states had such laws in place.
Does A Higher Speed Limit Raise Speeds?
Many people perceive the speed limit as the speed minimum. Typically, increases in the speed limit simply align with how fast motorists currently drive. Therefore, higher speed limits often result in motorists driving above these limits.
Who Speeds The Most?
According to data compiled by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, motorists of all ages speed, but teenagers are far more likely to cause an accident than adults in their 30s and 40s. Teens speed for various reasons, but inexperience is one of the most significant. If teens don’t receive proper driver training, they may make dangerous decisions that endanger themselves and others on the road.
Injured In A Car Accident? Holliday Karatinos’ Accident Lawyers in Florida Can Help
Ignoring the posted speed limit is negligent driving, plain and simple. If you were injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver or a loved one was a tragic victim of a car accident death from speeding, the Florida speeding car accident lawyers at Holliday Karatinos Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our accident lawyers in Florida will be ready to help you hold speeding drivers accountable for the harm they’ve caused you. Contact us by phone or online and speak with one of our car accident attorneys in Lutz during a free consultation. We’ll be ready to discuss your rights and legal options.
Jim Holliday has recovered millions of dollars for his clients in restitution for their injuries.
