Why Following The Speed Limit Is Important

Not only is speeding on roadways illegal, but it’s considered to the #1 reason behind car accidents. Speeding is when a person goes over the posted legal limit on roads, side roads, byways, highways or just about any other type of driving road.

Beyond speeding just being illegal, driving while speeding in bad conditions is what leads to many of the car accidents that happen. During the winter when roads are icy, wet or snowy – driving faster can cause your vehicle to go out of control or slide into someone else.

CAR ACCIDENT FATALITIES

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011 alone, 80% of the car accidents that resulted in fatalities were due to individuals going over the posted speed limits on local roads. This is a percentage that should make you pause. 80% is a significantly large number.

EVEN LOWER SPEEDS CAN KILL

One of the biggest reasons why our federal and local state governments determine the proper speeds in each zone isn’t just about speeding. Its about giving the driver ample time to stop. If a driver is on a road and the driver is going 30 mph when a person suddenly walks out into the street, the lower speed should give the driver enough time to stop.

On the other hand, if the speed limit is 30 and the driver is going 40, this will not give them enough time to put on the brakes and stop before hitting someone. A pedestrian being hit at even 18 miles per hour can cause serious injury – or even death.

AVOIDANCE TO SPEEDING CAN PREVENT PROBLEMS

Not only is going over the speed limit a possible detriment to the person who gets hit – but also to the driver. If the driver hits someone and they get injured they could be looking at not only a fine but also possible jail time.

If you have been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence in paying attention to the road or because of speeding, it’s definitely in your best interest to call The Law Firm of Sloat & Nicholson P.C. We specialize in car accidents revolving around vehicular accidents, as well as other accident injuries.

For a Free Consultation visit Sloat & Nicholson or call 1-800-873-3202.