The Governors Highway Safety Association has released a report that looks afresh at the role of speeding in many automobile-related fatalities in New York and across the U.S. It is estimated that excessive speed is behind one-third of all such fatalities. Despite the existence of state and federal policies and programs meant to reduce speeding, it continues to be thought of as culturally acceptable among many drivers.
The GHSA report is titled “Speeding Away from Zero: Rethinking a Forgotten Traffic Safety Challenge.” The hopes of the organization echo those of Vision Zero, the nationwide road project that aims to completely eliminate motor vehicle fatalities. The report mentions how even a small decrease in travel speed can reduce the severity of crashes and injuries. Increase that speed, though, and lives are threatened, especially those of bicyclists and pedestrians.
One limitation that the GHSA points out is the current focus on urban areas. This is because more speeding-related crashes occur on rural roadways. In 2016 alone, there were more than 5,000 speeding-related crash fatalities in rural areas.
This April, the GHSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety will be holding a forum with stakeholders to develop a speed management program. The GHSA is also calling for stricter speeding law enforcement and the building of roundabouts and other traffic calming elements.
Drivers who speed may be to blame for any auto crashes they cause. However, it could be that both parties were negligent to some degree. In that case, the courts will determine the percentage of fault. Someone who wishes to file a personal injury claim will likely have the amount they are eligible for lowered based on this percentage. With a lawyer, a victim can strive for the maximum settlement possible.