Speeding Accidents in Anne Arundel County

Despite the risk of car accidents, the vast majority of drivers speed at some point, and many, admittingly, drive over the speed limit on a regular basis. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding caused over 9,500 fatalities in 2015.

Too often drivers exceed the speed limit, never considering the effects speeding can have on other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians in their vicinity. While excessive speeding can be particularly dangerous, especially when the motorist is driving recklessly, exceeding the speed limit by as little as five miles per hour can have devastating consequences under certain circumstances.

Consequences

Speed limits were developed by traffic engineers, as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, based on the maximum speed that they considered to be safe for everything from local roads to busy interstate highways. Excessive speeding can make any accident more severe due to the extreme force of impact.

However, exceeding the speed limit by even five or ten miles per hour can be just as devastating if a pedestrian or a cyclist is involved. For example, if a pedestrian is hit by a car that is driving a mere 18 miles per hour, it can cause serious, even fatal injuries.

The following are additional examples of the problems speeding can cause:

  • It is more difficult to maintain control of a vehicle at high speeds
  • Protective equipment becomes less effective
  • Less time to react to potential dangers
  • Greater severity of injuries and property damage
  • Economic, medical, and psychological implications
  • Increased fuel consumption

Precautionary Steps

Below are some steps that can be followed to avoid speeding and remain safe while driving:

  • Obey the three-second rule: Following this rule will ensure that you maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. To avoid following too close, locate a stationary object in the distance, like a phone pole or a street sign. When the car in front of you passes that object, begin counting. If you pass that same object before you count to three, you are following too closely and should reduce your speed.
  • Allow extra time to reach your destination: To avoid running late or feeling rushed, set your alarm approximately 30 minutes earlier than you need to leave, particularly if you tend to run late. This is especially important when the forecast calls for inclement weather, including rain, snow, fog, or sleet. Speeding under these conditions is extremely dangerous.
  • Weigh the risks: Consider whether reaching your destination a few minutes earlier is worth risking your life and others on the road. Driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit only buys a few extra minutes, but it can cost you, or someone else, a world of pain and suffering if that decision to exceed the speed limit causes a wreck.
  • Be patient: Practicing patience can help to avoid a speeding-related accident. Listening to music, or an audio-book while driving can help put you in a more relaxed mindset, and therefore you may be less likely to speed

Anne Arundel Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for Victims of Speeding-Related Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a speeding driver, contact our Anne Arundel car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.