How Big of a Problem is Speeding in Pennsylvania?
There are many reasons why traffic accidents happen with speeding being at the top of that list. Speeding is a serious issue that causes thousands of deadly crashes each and every year. For instance, in 2020 alone, speeding was the reason behind 29% of all of the fatal crashes that took place that year. In 2020, driving at excess speeds is why 11,258 lives were lost according to the National Safety Council. When a driver speeds, not only is this an unlawful action but it is also a negligent one. And when a driver operates their motor vehicle at excess speeds above the established and posted limits and causes a crash, victims may be able to hold these parties liable for their damages.
In Pennsylvania, there were 117,899 reportable crashes in 2021. Deadly Pennsylvania car accidents killed 1,230 people and left 69,599 injured. And while these numbers may seem shockingly high, they are actually the second lowest for the Keystone State since 1950.
Car accidents can leave victims suffering a range of damage including medical expenses, property damage, missed earnings from time away from work, and more. To obtain compensation for those damages, victims can speak with the Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson.
Speeding and Car Accidents
Across the United States, in 2020, more than 30 lives were lost each day from speed-related crashes. Considering that speeding is an intentional act a driver can avoid, these deaths may not have had to happen.
The reason that speeding is so dangerous is that driving so fast makes it much harder to react to changing road situations. A roadway hazard, animals running out into the road, and other situations can happen quickly and without warning. A person speeding will have much less time to make adjustments for these events.
When a car weighing many thousands of pounds is driving at excess speed, should the driver slam on the brakes the stopping distance becomes much farther than if they were traveling at a slower pace. Also, if a crash happens, the momentum and force are much more intense. Additionally, inclement conditions or defective roadways that deteriorate can cause the road to be slick and slippery and make a car’s tires struggle to get a good grip. Speeding exacerbates the difficulty that exists in driving on such roadways.
Pennsylvania loses countless lives due to speeding. Fatal speed-related crashes in Pennsylvania totaled 285 lives in 2021. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation indicates that just four years earlier in 2017, there were 304 speed-related deaths in the state.
Speak to a Pennsylvania Car Accident Attorney Today
If a speeding vehicle hit you on a Pennsylvania road, you may be able to file a claim for financial compensation against the driver for all of your damages. For more information and to have your case evaluated by an experienced legal professional, a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney at Edelstein Martin & Nelson can help. To schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney, please call (215) 731-9900.
