According to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), excessive speed is a major factor in around 33 percent of all traffic accidents with fatalities. Despite speeding being a persistent danger for drivers in Oklahoma and throughout the country, the issue receives little attention. Speeding is looked at as an acceptable driving tactic by much of the public, signaling that more needs to be done to make people aware of the problem.
Experts suggest that the issue of speeding needs to be tackled at a much deeper level if the public is going to be engaged. Speeding is dangerous for drivers and passengers, but it is especially harmful to pedestrians and bicyclists. Collisions are more likely to occur when speeding and the severity of those collisions is worse as well. In 2016 alone, more than 5,000 people lost their lives on rural roadways due to speeding.
While some urban areas have had success slowing down motorists, the most serious threats exist on rural roadways. The GHSA report offers several suggestions for reducing speeds on both rural and urban roads, including more aggressive law enforcement efforts and automated speed monitoring technology. They also suggest building road features, such as roundabouts, that encourage slowing down.
People who are injured in vehicle accidents caused by speeding or other types of negligent driving may be able to obtain compensation. In an initial consultation, a lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of an accident and determine if the party responsible could be held liable. In some cases, insurance will cover medical bills, property damage and other costs. If insurance isn’t adequate or the driver isn’t covered, a lawsuit may be necessary. Some cases may involve lawsuits against companies whose policies may be responsible for an accident.