The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) aims to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding, as it remains one of the most common causes of car accidents, despite repeated warnings.
"Even advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection cannot keep people safe from the dangers of speeding," says the NHTSA, which organized its annual nationwide Speed Prevention Campaign this month.
How common are accidents caused by speeding?
As part of its monthlong Speed Prevention Campaign, the NHTSA recently shared online speeding-related accident statistics that shed light on the gravity of the issue. In 2020 alone, 11,258 individuals lost their lives in accidents directly attributed to speeding, according to the NHTSA. This alarming figure accounted for 29 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities, underscoring the devastating impact of excessive speed.
Nationwide, there was a 17 percent increase in car accident fatalities caused by speeding drivers from 2019 to 2020. The trend persisted, with the NHTSA reporting an additional 5 percent rise in these tragic incidents from 2020 to 2021.
Speeding-related accidents in Maine
While the NHTSA car accident data for 2021 reported a relatively low number of 26 speeding-related fatalities in Maine, this year could be an exception. Looking at Maine car accident data from 2012 to 2020, it becomes evident that speeding-related fatalities typically average around 53 deaths per year, with the highest recorded number being 78 deaths in 2012.
Despite efforts to address the issue, speeding continues to pose a problem on specific roads and highways in Maine, such as Interstate 95. An example of this occurred just this month, where two individuals sustained injuries in a high-speed, three-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 North in Pittsfield, Maine, as reported by News Center Maine.
Speeding prevention
To effectively prevent speeding-related accidents, traffic safety experts at the NHTSA emphasize two crucial strategies: increased police enforcement of speed limits and comprehensive driver education on the dangers of speeding.
The NHTSA specifically advises that driver education efforts should prioritize younger drivers, as they are more susceptible to being involved in speeding-related crashes. In fact, a significant percentage of car accidents caused by speeding can be attributed to young drivers, according to the NHTSA.
To underscore the urgency of addressing this issue, a traffic safety study conducted by ValuePenguin revealed that 44 percent of car crashes involving teenage drivers are a result of speeding. In light of these statistics, Maine was ranked the 11th worst state nationwide for speeding-related accidents caused by teen drivers.
To help educate teenagers in their formative driving years, we created the Arrive Alive Creative Contest which is open to high school seniors throughout Maine. The contest is now its 20th year and asks seniors to come up with a creative message about the dangers of drinking and driving and/or the dangers of distracted driving.
In the past 19 years, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein has given away over $180,000 in prizes to graduating high school seniors who have helped educate their peers on safe driving practices. A complete set of rules and all past winning entries can be viewed online at: www.arrivealivecreativecontest.com.
Accident claims involving speeding can be complex
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident where a speeding driver is clearly at fault, it may seem unnecessary to seek legal representation. However, it is important to note that accident claims involving speeding can quickly become complex legal cases.
Insurance companies often employ tactics such as disputing liability, minimizing injuries and damages, questioning medical treatment, and using delaying tactics to reduce or deny accident claims. Seeking legal representation from an experienced attorney can help crash victims navigate these challenges, protect their rights, and build a strong case to support their claim.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein in Maine, our car accident lawyers are here to support you throughout the entire process. We understand what it takes to get meaningful results for injured Mainers and are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your potential legal options, contact us for a free case evaluation.
