Speeding: A Top Cause Of Florida Motor Vehicle Accidents
One of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents is speeding. Despite the logic behind speed limits, many motorists ignore them. According to the NHTSA, for more than twenty years, speeding has been to blame for about 33% of all vehicle accident fatalities. In 2020 alone, speeding killed more than 11,000 people.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a crash caused by speeding, it’s vital that you seek legal help from a qualified car accident attorney. An attorney can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Meaning of the Term “Speeding”
The definition of the term “speeding” might seem pretty straightforward, but it is not. Many people know that speeding is driving above the speed limit. However, there are times when a driver could be speeding even if they are driving below the speed limit. For example, depending on the road and weather conditions, a driver could be speeding even if they are traveling below the posted speed limit. When road and weather conditions change, a driver is required to adjust their speed accordingly.
Findings From Research
A lot of studies have been conducted in regard to speeding. According to one particular study, the risk of serious injury or death increases quickly with each mph increase. For instance, a person is approximately 70 percent more likely to die if hit by a vehicle going 30 mph compared to one going 25 mph.
How Speeding Causes Accidents
A speeding motorist is at a high risk of causing an accident because speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance. Speeding drivers are also at a high risk of causing accidents because they are not as predictable as other drivers on the roads. Suppose another road user believes a driver is driving within the speed limit or going at the speed appropriate for the road or weather conditions. In such a case, the road user may make a move they would avoid if they knew the driver was driving above the speed limit or too fast for the weather conditions.
Common Reasons Why Drivers Speed
Although law enforcement officers are working tirelessly to stop drivers from speeding, speeding-related accidents continue to happen at an alarming rate. So why exactly do drivers speed? Some of the main reasons drivers drive above the posted speed limit or too fast for weather or road conditions include;
- Running late
- Anonymity
- Disregard for others and the law
- Believing they are alone on the road and can safely speed
Legal Help Is Available
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’s speeding, our Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you. For years, we’ve provided legal services to victims of motor vehicle accidents and families of victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by speeding. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Tampa, Ocala, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Miami, and West Palm Beach areas.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding#:~:text=Overview,faster%20doesn’t%20mean%20safer
