Speeding Is Still a Top Cause of Fatal Car Crashes

No matter how easy it should be to obey posted speed limits and to drive safely and responsibly, speeding is still one of the top causes of fatal car crashes. Speeding is accountable for nearly one-third of annual motor vehicle deaths, claiming approximately 33 lives each day. Speeding endangers everybody on the road, not just the person driving recklessly. Because of how big of an issue it is on our nation’s roadways, it is time for us to address speeding and begin saving lives.

Facts on Speeding: The Numbers and Effects

According to the National Safety Council, or NSC, speed was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022; 12,151 people were killed in speeding-related crashes that year. The NSC considers a crash speed-related if the driver was charged with a speeding-related offense or if racing, exceeding the posted speed limit, or driving too fast for conditions was indicated as a contributing factor in the motor vehicle collision. Gender and age are other important factors to consider in speed-related crashes; in 2022, 32% of males in fatal speed-related crashes were in the 15 to 20 and 21 to 24-year age groups as compared to 19% of female drivers of the same ages.

Another important factor to keep in mind for speeding is roadway conditions. As conditions deteriorate, it becomes even more dangerous to drive too fast. For reference, the NSC reports that in 2022 speed was a factor in fatal crashes for:

• 18% of drivers on dry roads
• 21% of drivers on wet roads
• 31% on roads with slush or snow
• 39% of drivers on roads with standing or moving water
• 41% on roads with frost or ice
• 44% of drivers on roads with dirt, mud, or gravel

As you can see, certain conditions like wet or sleek roads, slush, snow, standing or moving water, frost, ice, dirt, mud, and gravel make speeding even more dangerous for everyone. This is because while the posted speed limit on a road with good (i.e. dry) conditions may be safe, that same posted speed limit can be treacherous when the road is under construction, covered in ice, or if there is heavy rain. Another factor behind speed-related crashes is alcohol impairment. 27% of speeding drivers under the age of 21 in 2022 were impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash. 40% or more in the 21 to 54 age groups were also impaired by alcohol. The percent of alcohol-impaired drivers is 36% in the 55-to-64-year age group – this number continues to decline as driver age increases.

The implications and consequences related to speeding are far-reaching. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), even more of these include:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment, like airbags, seat belts, and other impact control technologies
• Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger
• Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries
• Economic implications of a speed-related crash, like missing time from work, medical costs, and more
• Increased fuel consumption and cost

People speed for plenty of reasons, like if they are running late, trying to avoid traffic, or even if they have a flagrant disregard for the safety of others. No matter the reason, speed-related crashes can – and far too often do – result in serious, life-changing injuries. Injuries that individuals commonly sustain from motor vehicle accidents include whiplash, soft tissue injuries, head injuries (like concussions and traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs), neck injuries, internal injuries, sprains, strains, and fractures, contusions, lacerations, burns, and much more. Even if a person’s injuries are not deadly, they can permanently alter the trajectory of someone’s life.

Were You in a Car Accident?

If you were in a car accident, there are a few things you should do right away. Even if you do not feel like you were seriously injured, it is a good idea to seek medical attention. It can be difficult to feel the whole scope of your injuries when your adrenaline is pumping. Some other important steps to take are:

• If your car is in a dangerous place on the road and you are able, do your best to move it to a safe location
• Call 9-1-1 to alert police and first responders to the accident
• Maintain copies of police and accident reports and all documentation of your medical care
• Keep track of the times you are unable to work
• Contact a skilled attorney as soon as you can

At Galfand Berger, our attorneys have been fighting on behalf of injured victims for decades. Here are just a few examples of our past cases:

• Our client was left paralyzed after being hit head-on in an automobile accident. Our attorneys pursued this case not only against the at-fault driver but also against the auto manufacturer for defective seat belts and the overall crashworthiness of the vehicle. We recovered $4,500,000.00 on behalf of our client. To read more, visit: https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/auto-accidents/39-2/
• Our client was struck by a tractor-trailer on an interstate highway, leading to severe injuries and the eventual amputation of both of his legs below the knee. Our attorneys investigated the accident and found that the brakes on the tractor-trailer were worn out, the tires were bald, and that the driver’s log was inaccurate, indicating he was driving excessive hours. Our attorneys successfully recovered $3,000,000.00 for our injured client, which you can read about here: https://www.galfandberger.com/verdicts/auto-accidents/45-2/

If you were injured in a speed-related car accident, we can help. Contact a representative now to find out more.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP, Representing Injured Victims Since 1947

Contact the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.