Speed limits are posted to help keep us safe on the roads. Still, many drivers ignore these limits and drive at unsafe speeds, which can lead to a fatal or otherwise serious car accident. When drivers fail to exercise the reasonable standard of care to follow posted speed limits, they could end up causing a car accident. Consequently, they may be held liable for the damage and injuries that result.
It helps to get a profile of the repeat offenders, so to speak, when it comes to speeding. Some trends of common speeders include young males, those under the influence of alcohol and unlicensed drivers.
Here's a closer look at some crash data where speed was involved, based on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2004.
The following car accident statistics give us a clearer picture of negligence on the road:
- 38% - males ages 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes where speed was to blame.
- 40% - drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08% who were involved in fatal crashes where speed was to blame.
- 21% - drivers with an invalid license who were involved in fatal crashes where speed was to blame.
Speeding is a negligent driving habit that is easily prevented but still widely practiced. It's an expensive form of negligence to boot, with an estimated $40.4 billion in damage per year.
The best way to protect yourself against speeders is to practice defensive driving by fostering an awareness of your surroundings. If you are injured by a speeder, an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options for seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related damages.
You can learn more about the most common types of negligent driving by visiting our article library.
Contacting an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a traffic accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case.
