Speed remains a major factor in traffic fatalities
Louisiana motorists may want to think twice if they’re tempted to speed when they’re driving. Speeding-related deaths on the nation’s highways are on the increase, according to a recent study.
The new report by the National Transportation Safety Board claimed that 112,580 people died in car accidents caused by speeding from 2005 to 2014. The board said 31 percent of all traffic fatalities were linked to speeding. During that same time frame, nearly 113,000 people died in drunk driving car accidents. Most speed limit parameters were set at a time when there weren’t as many drivers on the roads. These limits were often based on the speed that a majority of drivers were going in an area. Officials today say the policy needs to be updated.
Drivers complain that new road configurations, such as roundabouts, are slowing traffic down too much and contributing to longer commute times for motorists who live in urban areas. However, cities are looking for more ways to slow traffic down. Their options include more speed bumps, more bike lanes and crosswalks, and reconfiguring streets to force drivers to slow down.
Car accidents, especially those caused by speeding motorists, can have serious consequences for victims. Families who have lost a loved one to a speeding driver may be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death claim. This compensation could include death benefits and wage replacement if the family lost its breadwinner. A personal injury attorney may be able to explain how a wrongful death claim works and assist in getting compensation for survivors.
Tags: Car Accidents
