Most of us live busy lives, doing our best to juggle competing responsibilities in our home, work, and social lives. As a result, it is not uncommon to find ourselves rushing or nervously racing the clock as we head from one activity to another. Unfortunately, the busier we are, the more likely we are to take risks that endanger our safety, and speeding through traffic is one of those risks. One of the leading causes of car accidents in Virginia, speeding not only increases your odds of being involved in an accident but also increases your chances of suffering serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
Speed Related Car Accidents and Injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that speeding is a factor in more than one-third of all car accidents and injuries in the United States, resulting in roughly 10,000 traffic fatalities each year. As a type of aggressive driving behavior, speeding may involve driving over the speed limit or going excessively fast in adverse weather conditions, in school zones, or in areas of road construction.
While some drivers are more likely to speed during traffic jams and when they are running late for school, work, or other events, others engage in speeding simply because they like the feeling of going fast, or as a blatant form of disrespect for other drivers and the law. The NHTSA states that the consequences of speeding are far-reaching, and may include any of the following:
- Decreases the effectiveness of seat belts, child safety seats, and other types of car safety equipment
- Requires an increased response time from drivers when facing changes in road or traffic conditions
- Makes it more likely for drivers to lose control over their vehicles
- Increases the likelihood of severe impacts among multiple road users and increases the risk for catastrophic injuries
Speeding Accidents in Virginia
According to the latest statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), of the more than 105,600 reported traffic accidents that occurred in the state in 2020, speeding was listed as a factor in 22,479 crashes, killing 406 victims and injuring another 11,528.
- Watching for changes in posted speeds, and obeying the speed limits at all times
- Adjusting speed based on weather, road, and traffic conditions
- Allowing aggressive drivers to pass you, rather than increasing your own speed
- Setting realistic goals in scheduling, which allow you plenty of time to reach destinations
Contact a Virginia Injury Attorney
Unfortunately, no matter how many precautions we take, there is always the risk of a speeding driver crashing into us. If you have been injured in a crash caused by a driver who was speeding, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to see what type of financial damages you may be entitled to. The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today for a free case evaluation.
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