Speeding is perhaps the biggest threat to a driver; in 2016, more than 10,000 people were killed as a result of speeding. When it comes to safety on the road, maintaining a safe speed and following the posted speed limits is the best way to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. However, not everyone is keen on following this crucial traffic law, and thus calls to a car accident lawyer are unavoidable.
One of the most important factors to remember when it comes to these accidents is that different speeds can lead to different severity levels. Whether the accident is 80 MPH or 35 MPH, the results can be severe and may require the assessment of a car accident lawyer.
What Tempts Drivers to Speed?
When it comes to speeding, there is always a motivating factor. While inexcusable, there are reasons for speeding, and here are some of the most common reasons that a car accident lawyer might hear from a client:
Running Late – Many people speed when they’re running late for work, class or a special event. However, putting yourself and others at risk of an accident is not worth getting to your destination a few minutes late¾ it’s better to get there late than to not get there at all.
Disregard for Safety – While this is the most ridiculous reason, some people just like to speed out of habit and competitive nature. There are drivers out there who get a thrill out of driving faster than everyone else on the road, but they do not realize or do not care that their recklessness is putting themselves or others at risk. A car accident lawyer sees these kinds of cases all the time, a tragic accident that could have been avoided had the negligent party just followed the law.
Different Speeds May Yield Different Outcomes
The severity of an accident ultimately comes down to how fast the driver(s) were going when the accident occurred. Take a highway-speed incident, for example. These collisions can often lead to severe injuries, disabilities, and even death in some scenarios. If you compare that to a 25 MPH fender bender, you’ll quickly see that the speed has a direct impact on the outcome of the accident.
How to Overcome Speeding
Speeding is the biggest threat to those who are on the road, so precautions should be taken to ensure that everyone stays as safe as possible. Here are some ways to stay safe if you notice that you or someone around you is driving recklessly:
- Give Speeders Space – Someone who is exceeding safe speed limits may lose control of their vehicle, causing harm to those around them.
- Adjust Your Speed – If you notice that you’re going over the speed limit, make sure you bring your speed down to match the limit or to a speed that is reasonably safe.
- Use the Left Lane for Passing – If you’re wanting to pas someone, use the left lane. If someone is wanting to pass you and you’re driving in the left lane, move over and let them pass you to avoid the possibility of a rear-end collision.
- Let Authorities Know – Contact local authorities if someone around you is driving recklessly.
When it comes down to it, following posted speed limits is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer at Robert J. DeBry and Associates. We will evaluate your case and get you the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages.