Michigan motorists who are concerned about road safety should know that excessive vehicle speed is a contributing factor in almost 33 percent of all fatalities caused by motor vehicle crashes. This is according to a report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association. However, speeding receives inadequate attention as an issue of traffic safety and is even considered to be socially acceptable by many drivers.
The report by the GHSA examines speeding and its impact on traffic deaths. The report also includes a look at state and federal policies, the most recently available research and data, existing programs whose purpose are to lower the number of crashes related to speeding and future approaches to reducing speed-related crashes. According to the executive director of the GHSA, in order to have zero deaths, it is necessary that speeding is addressed more profoundly than it has been. Speed is a roadway hazard, and more resources are needed to compel drivers to driver slower to prevent fatalities.
Speeding not only increases the likelihood of a crash occurring, but it also increases the likelihood of there being grave injuries or fatalities when crashes take place. The severity of crashes and injuries and the number of lives lost can be reduced even with a slight drop in travel speed. The report provides a number of suggestions for reducing speeding on the road. They include more law enforcement efforts and prioritizing federal legislation and programs.
Occupants of other vehicles that are involved in car accidents caused by a speeding driver often sustain severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. They might find it advisable to have a lawyer’s assistance when seeking compensation for the losses that they have incurred.