Everyone who receives a driver’s license is supposed to pass a written test and a driving test. These tests are administered to attempt to ensure that everyone who is operating a vehicle on Georgia’s roadways knows how to operate a vehicle safely and within the confines of traffic regulations. However, we all know that most people do not drive the same on their own as they do in front of a driver’s education instructor. Speeding is very common.
Why do so many people exceed the posted speed limits? The answers could vary widely. Perhaps some people simply want to feel the thrill of driving their cars as fast as they can get away with. Maybe others are rushing, having not given themselves enough time to get where they are supposed to be. Regardless of the reason, speeding is dangerous, and it is one of the most common elements present in car accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2003 to 2012, speeding was consistently a factor in approximately one-third of all fatalities caused by car accidents. This shows that negligent drivers aren’t just causing car accidents — they are causing fatalities. And the damages, both economic and personal, can add up quickly.
Speeding can become an even more dangerous behavior if a driver is operating a large vehicle, such as a semi-truck or a delivery truck. A vehicle with a larger mass plus excessive speed equals the potential for catastrophic car collisions. That is just simple physics.
When a person is injured in a speed-related accident, the aftermath can be devastating. This is even more so for the victim’s family if the victim is killed. Therefore, when one is injured or killed in a speed-related accident, the victim or his or her family may want to see if they have any options for legal recourse.
Source: nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov, “Speeding,” Accessed July 18, 2015