According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was responsible for 29% of all fatal car accidents in 2022, contributing to the death of 12,151 people that year. Over the last two decades, speeding has been responsible for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities.
When speeding does not result in the death of the drivers and passengers, it can result in catastrophic injuries. If a careless and speeding driver injured you, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your accident-related losses. Caruso Law Offices can help. If you need a lawyer handling car accident cases, contact our Albuquerque car accident lawyer today to learn more.
What Is Speeding?
The most common example of speeding is driving above the posted speed limit. These posted speed limits provide a safe and reasonable speed to protect drivers and other road users, according to the Federal Highway Administration. In some cases, state and local transportation agencies recommend certain speed limits after extensive engineering speed studies.
It’s important to keep in mind that speed limits are designed for optimal conditions, meaning in day, light traffic, and clear weather. If road or weather conditions are not optimal, drivers are required to adjust their driving to a safe speed.
The NHTSA considers speeding a form of aggressive driving, which is deliberate driving behavior performed with a disregard for safety. The NHTSA says that speeding endangers the lives of the speeder, other motorists, and other road users like pedestrians and bicyclists.
What Makes Speeding So Dangerous in Albuquerque?
According to the NHTSA, speeding is dangerous because it:
- Increases the likelihood that the driver will lose control of the vehicle
- Decreases the amount of time that a driver has to stop once they recognize a hazard
- Causes more severe injuries in the event of an accident
- Reduces the effectiveness of vehicle safety equipment and road safety features, like concrete barriers and guardrails
Common Excuses for Speeding in Albuquerque
Despite the dangers, many people still choose to speed. Some of the common excuses they give for speeding include:
- Heavy traffic – Drivers may become frustrated in heavy traffic conditions, leading them to speed to “make up time.”
- Running late – Drivers may be late to work, school, or an appointment, prompting them to speed.
- Anonymity – Being behind a wheel gives people a sense of anonymity. They do not think they will be recognized and may feel emboldened to drive recklessly.
- Habit – Some drivers are so used to speeding that they may not even realize they are doing it.
Regardless of the reason, speeding is a choice that drivers make in which they place their preference over the safety of others.
What to Do If Another Driver Is Speeding in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Other drivers’ actions can be frustrating, especially when they put you and others at risk. Here are some tips to stay safe around speeding drivers:
- Move over if you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass.
- Back away from speeders. If they cause an accident, you may be able to avoid being injured.
- Adjust your driving. If the other driver is tailgating or acting aggressively, slowly back away, avoid eye contact, and get away from them. Call for help if you need it.
Call Albuquerque Car Accident Attorneys Today for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in a speeding accident, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Caruso Law Offices can help. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you seek compensation for your damages.