Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 9,378 individuals died in speed-related crashes in 2018. The federal agency’s data also shows that speeding was responsible for 26% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2017. What motorists seem to forget is that speeding not only puts their lives in danger but the welfare of others in jeopardy as well.
A driver doesn’t have to travel at a significantly higher rate than the posted speed limit to put themselves and everyone at risk of getting hurt or killed. Motorists don’t have to drive all that fast to cause an accident, either. All they need to do is travel too fast for the conditions. Florida motorists regularly come across wet or poorly lit roadways, construction zones and traffic. A driver may cause an accident if they approach one of these areas at a fast rate of speed.
It’s against Florida law to drive more than the posted speed limit. Motorists risk having their seat belts and other onboard safety equipment fail when they speed. Drivers often experience delayed braking and tend to lose control of their vehicles if they find themselves needing to stop quickly when traveling at a high rate of speed.
Motorists should never try to keep up with reckless drivers, but instead, distance themselves as much as possible from them. They should pull over so that they can pass when necessary.
There are many reasons why motorists speed. They may do so because they don’t want to sit in traffic, to evade police or because they’re running late. None of those are valid excuses for putting you or anyone else in danger, though.
There are a lot of steps to take after a car accident here in Sarasota. The most important one is to take time to seek out medical attention to make sure that you’re okay. You’ll then want to consult with a personal injury attorney in Sarasota to learn more about how Florida law allows crash victims to recover compensation for their medical costs and other collision-related expenses.
