The Governors Highway Safety Association has a report out showing that excessive speed is behind nearly one in three automobile-related fatalities. It expresses concern over the persistence of speeding as a factor in crashes, pointing out that it is considered “culturally acceptable” among many drivers in Louisiana and across the U.S. In other words, speeding does not come with a stigma like DUI or driving without a seatbelt does.
The GHSA, a non-profit representing various state highway safety offices, believes that additional resources must be brought together to address the challenge of speeding. This means, among other things, improved education that aims to create a more safety-minded culture. It also recommends stricter law enforcement, including automated speed enforcement.
Speed reduction is essential because even a slight decrease in travel speed can reduce the risk for a crash in addition to the severity of any crashes that do occur. This can save lives, especially those of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Many urban areas, such as New York City and Boston, have lowered their speed limits in the effort to decrease vehicle speeds. Another good step to take is to build traffic calming elements like roundabouts. However, the GHSA states that speeding-related crashes occur more often in rural and suburban areas than in urban and believes that these should receive more attention.
If a motor vehicle accident arises and victims find out that the other was speeding or being negligent in some other way, they should know that they may be eligible for compensation under personal injury law. A lawyer, during a case evaluation, may be able to determine how much victims are eligible for based on the comparative fault rule that Louisiana holds to. Once hired, the lawyer may bring in investigators and other experts to gather whatever evidence is available before heading to the negotiation table.