The Safety Roadblock: How Speeding Puts Roadway Users at Risk

This week is the National Safety Council’s National Safety Month Roadway Safety Week. As a personal injury firm, roadway safety is one of our biggest concerns. Our attorneys at Lowe Scott Fisher have witnessed the devastating aftermath of countless car accidents. While each case is unique, one common factor consistently emerges as a leading cause of these incidents: speeding.

Beyond the traffic violation it represents, speeding significantly increases the likelihood of accidents and exacerbates their severity. In this blog, we’ll delve into the critical issue of speeding and its profound impact on roadway safety.

Increased Fatalities: Speeding is more than just breaking the law; it’s a reckless disregard for the safety of oneself and others on the road. Statistics paint a stark picture: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributed to 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019. That’s thousands of lives lost needlessly due to an entirely preventable behavior.

Decreased Reaction Time: One of the most concerning aspects of speeding is its effect on reaction time. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or obstacles in the road. This diminished reaction time can be the difference between avoiding a collision and causing a catastrophic accident.

Increased Severity of Accidents: Speeding increases the force of impact in the event of a crash. The laws of physics dictate that the force of a collision is directly proportional to the speed at which the vehicles are traveling. Simply put, higher speeds result in more severe crashes, leading to greater property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

Dire Consequences: For victims of speeding-related accidents, the consequences can be life-altering. From debilitating injuries to the loss of loved ones, the ripple effects of these accidents are profound and far-reaching. As personal injury attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that such accidents take on individuals and families.

In addition to the human cost, speeding-related accidents also impose a significant burden on society as a whole. Emergency response teams are stretched thin responding to these preventable incidents, and healthcare systems are inundated with the influx of injured patients. Moreover, the economic costs associated with speeding-related accidents are staggering, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity.

So, what can be done to address this pervasive issue?

Education and enforcement are key components of any strategy to combat speeding. By raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and the importance of obeying speed limits, we can help change attitudes and behaviors on the road.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies must prioritize enforcement efforts to deter speeding and hold violators accountable for their actions.

Lowe Scott Fisher is committed to advocating for the rights of those who have been injured due to the negligence of speeding drivers. By holding responsible parties accountable and seeking justice on behalf of our clients, we strive to make our roads safer for everyone.

Speeding is a serious threat to roadway safety that cannot be ignored. From the increased risk of accidents to the devastating consequences for victims and their families, the impact of speeding is far-reaching. As a society, we must work together to address this issue through education, enforcement, and advocacy. By doing so, we can help prevent needless tragedies and create safer roads for all.

If you have been injured in an accident and would like to discuss your options, contact Lowe Scott Fisher online or by phone at 216-781-2600 today for a free legal consultation. Our personal injury firm can help you determine if you have a case and how best to pursue your options.