A new report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on speeding-related traffic fatalities found speeding has played a major role in Corpus Christi accidents. Corpus Christi experiences an unfortunate amount of fatal traffic-related accidents annually; and, considering that speed is an easily preventable catalyst to fatal accidents, the recent NHTSA data should be eye-opening for safe driving efforts across the city.
In NHTSA’s nationwide study on speeding-related accidents, of all traffic fatalities between 2013 and 2017, Corpus Christi performed worst in the entire United States, with 28.4% of traffic deaths involving speeding. The country as a whole during the same time period had less speeding-related driving fatalities, with 27.7%. This means that between 2013 and 2017, more than a quarter of all Corpus Christi fatal traffic accidents could have possibly been prevented if drivers had not been speeding. Moreover, the report found the annual speeding-related fatality rate for traffic accidents in Corpus Christi was 2.5 per 100,000. Speeding is a catalyst to fatal accidents since speeding increases the force of impact during a collision and can also cause drivers to engage in other dangerous actions that can result in serious injury and death.
The Consequences of Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of fatal accidents for good reason. Aside from being illegal, speeding has an array of consequences that can result in a serious car accident. It’s a common misconception among drivers who regularly engage in speeding that they are in control of or “know” their vehicle. While a driver can certainly be familiar with their car, they cannot always be prepared for bad weather, congested traffic, construction areas, and/or unmaintained roads.
Loss of control is a main factor in speeding-related traffic fatalities. When a driver is speeding, he or she is unable to control the vehicle in the same manner as when following the speed limit. Additionally, depending on a vehicle’s design, speeding that results in loss of control can cause a serious accident like a rollover.
Adequate stopping distance is needed for a vehicle to safely stop if a driver detects a change in course, object on road, or another vehicle, motorcyclist, or pedestrian. Speeding decreases the chances of having adequate stopping distance between the vehicle and its surroundings. This could cause a driver to swerve or make an abrupt movement to avoid collision.
Reduced effectiveness of vehicle protection equipment like airbags and seatbelts can occur if a vehicle is speeding prior to impact. Vehicle protection equipment could actually harm an occupant if the driver is speeding, due to its sensitivity to the rate of impact.
Increased severity of an accident occurs almost anytime speeding is involved. Speeding increases the rate a vehicle is traveling, thus resulting in a higher level of force and accident absorption felt by a vehicle’s design and occupants. Even in minor accidents where speeding is present, the possibility of sustaining a serious injury or fatality is possible.
Corpus Christi Car Accident Attorneys
Corpus Christi drivers and passengers deserve the right to safely travel on roads and highways across their city. By practicing safe driving techniques and following posted speed limits, drivers can do their part to ensure the safety of others while behind the wheel. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident that involved speeding, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Corpus Christi car accident attorney John Flood today to discuss your case at no cost. There is limited time to act following a car accident in Texas, so don’t delay.
