Speeding and Traffic Crashes in Louisiana

Traffic collisions that occur in Shreveport and throughout Louisiana have various causes, such as distracted driving due to texting, intoxicated driving, and various forms of aggressive driving. While many drivers acknowledge the serious risks associated with distractions behind the wheel and drunk driving, a surprisingly high number of motorists regularly speed. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 90 percent of drivers admit to speeding regularly, even if they are only traveling at speeds between 5-10 miles over the posted speed limit, while more than 40 percent of drivers admit to regularly traveling at speeds more than 15 miles over the posted speed limit.

While there may be a perception that speeding is less risky than other dangerous driving behaviors, it is important to know that it is a common cause of severe and deadly crashes. Our Shreveport auto accident lawyers can tell you more.

Getting the Facts About Speeding 

Just how dangerous is speeding? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that speeding is the cause of about 29 percent of all traffic collision fatalities — nearly one-third of all deaths — and results in more than 12,000 fatalities annually.

Why is speeding so dangerous? The IIHS explains that it increases the distance a driver needs to stop safely, and it also makes it more likely that a driver will engage in an “evasive steering maneuver” to avoid a rear-end collision that leads to loss of control of the vehicle. In addition, the higher the speed a vehicle is traveling at, the greater the impact speed — in short, injuries are more severe.

Reducing Speeding Crashes and Personal Injuries in Louisiana 

The IIHS emphasizes that lowering speed limits and installing speed safety cameras have been proven to reduce speeding-related crashes in urban and suburban areas. In addition, a new study conducted by the IIHS shows that more than 60 percent of motorists surveyed are “open to anti-speeding tech,” meaning that they would be willing to accept technology in their vehicles that alerts them when they have exceeded the posted speed limit. That information is extremely important, according to the IIHS, because it suggests that “drivers are willing to change how they drive to make our roads safer.” In other words, if the technology is available, drivers are willing to use it to reduce speeding-related wrecks.

It is also important to keep in mind that speeding does not just mean exceeding the posted speed limit. When there is inclement weather, including heavy rains or low visibility in Louisiana, driving at a speed within the posted limit but that is unsafe given the conditions is also speeding, and motorists can be liable for injuries in crashes that result from their negligent driving.

Contact a Shreveport Auto Injury Attorney Today 

Speeding frequently results in collisions involving serious bodily harm. If you sustained personal injuries in a speeding-relation crash, it is important to discuss your options for filing a claim with an experienced Shreveport car accident lawyer at Rice & Kendig. An attorney at our firm can speak with you today about insurance claims and civil lawsuits to seek compensation after a speeding crash. Contact us at 318-222-2772 for more information.

Sources:

aaafoundation.org/

iihs.org/topics/speed

iihs.org/news/detail/most-drivers-would-be-ok-with-anti-speeding-tech-in-vehicles-survey-shows