Higher Speed Limits May Lead to Increased Traffic Fatalities

 Posted on January 14, 2019 in Car Accident

Over the past few years, law enforcement personnel and state agencies have noticed a dangerous trend: fatal car accidents are rising throughout the United States. While initiatives to increase safe driving practices are helpful, including mandatory seatbelt use, other factors seem to be offsetting the positive effects of these initiatives. Increases in cell-phone use and other forms of distracted driving have played a role in the increase of fatal collisions, but highway traffic agencies now think another primary reason for the jump in traffic deaths is increased speed limits. 

Traffic Fatalities Rising in the United States

According to statistics compiled by the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 40,100 motor vehicle deaths throughout the United States in 2017. While this number marked a 1 percent decrease when compared to 2016, the bigger concern is the steady climb in fatalities over recent years. In 2016, the number of traffic deaths rose by more than 5 percent. While the slight decrease in 2017 is encouraging, recent trends suggest much more work is needed to increase safety nationwide. 

Speeding Crash Statistics

According to NSC statistical analysis, increases in posted speed limits may be the biggest reason for the rise in traffic fatalities. In Texas, a state with speed limits that go as high as 85 mph, traffic fatalities have risen by 7 percent within the past two years. On the other hand, in states in which initiatives to lower speed limits have been executed, fatalities seem to be dropping. For instance, in New York, roadway deaths have declined by 15 percent over the past two years. The NSC suggests this is due to the lowering of speed limits and an increase in bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. 

Traveling at excessive speed is a contributing factor in more than 30 percent of all traffic crashes nationwide. Lowering speed limits may be an effective way to address the problem. For Colorado government officials and highway patrol authorities, lowering speed limits could be considered.

Contact a Fort Collins Car Accident Lawyer 

If you were injured in a car crash, recovering from your injuries can be traumatic and expensive. Fortunately, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., is here to help. With years of experience serving clients throughout the state of Colorado, our legal team can help secure the financial compensation you and your family deserve. To schedule a free consultation with a Larimer County personal injury attorney, call us today at 970-225-2190. 

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/usdot-releases-2016-fatal-traffic-crash-data

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/14/traffic-deaths-edge-lower-but-2017-stats-paint-worrisome-picture.html