Speed is a contributing factor in approximately one out of every three fatal car accidents. Despite this staggering statistic, little has been done to decrease the number of fatal crashes involving speeding. According to a news report in USA Today, there has been little to no success in combating speed-related car crashes nationwide. While non-use of seat belt deaths dropped 23 percent over the past decade, speed-related deaths actually rose by 7 percent. In fact, many states have actually increased speed limits and only two states have increased fines for speeding over the last seven years.
According to Nevada Statute 484.368: “A person shall not drive a vehicle greater than is reasonable or proper, having due regard for the traffic, surface and width of the highway, the weather and other highway conditions.” This means that a person does not have to exceed the posted speed limit to be considered excessively speeding. The speed of your vehicle must reflect the conditions on the roadway, the amount of traffic on the roadway, and the weather conditions. All drivers must do their part to not only stay below the speed limit, but also help prevent accidents by slowing down in adverse conditions.
Victims of speed-related accidents would be well advised to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will stay abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights are protected. If it is determined that the at-fault driver was speeding, then he or she can be held liable for the resulting medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages suffered by the victim.
The Dangers of Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations that drivers commit. The thrill of driving fast can be exciting, but it comes at a great risk. Driving over the speed limit can result in serious accidents that can cause severe injuries or even death. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of speeding and why it is crucial to follow the speed limit.
The first danger of speeding is the loss of control of the vehicle. When you drive at high speeds, it becomes more challenging to react to sudden changes in the road or traffic conditions. Speeding reduces your reaction time, making it difficult to maneuver your vehicle. If you need to brake or steer suddenly, the car may not respond quickly enough, and you may lose control of the vehicle. This can result in a serious accident, potentially causing damage to the vehicle, injuries to the driver, passengers, and other people on the road.
Increased Stopping Time
The second danger of speeding is that it increases the stopping distance of your vehicle. The faster you drive, the longer it takes for your car to come to a stop. This means that you may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. For instance, if a pedestrian or another vehicle suddenly appears in front of you, you may not have enough time to stop your vehicle before colliding with them.
Reduced Visibility
The third danger of speeding is that it reduces your visibility. As you drive faster, your field of vision becomes narrower, making it harder to see the road ahead. This is particularly dangerous when driving in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog. Your visibility is also affected by the amount of light available, which decreases as night falls.
Accident Severity Increases
The fourth danger of speeding is that it increases the severity of accidents. When you drive at high speeds, the force of impact during a collision is much greater than if you were driving at a lower speed. This means that the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities is much higher. High-speed collisions can cause brain damage, spinal injuries, broken bones, and internal bleeding, among other serious injuries.
Finally, speeding is illegal and can result in hefty fines and penalties. In many states, the penalty for speeding can include a fine, points on your driving record, and even the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. If you are caught driving at excessively high speeds, you may also face criminal charges, which can result in jail time or a criminal record.
The skilled Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Shook & Stone help victims of speed-related accidents get the compensation they need. If a speeding or negligent driver has injured you or a loved one, please call our offices at 702-570-0000 for a free and comprehensive consultation.
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