When drivers are behind the wheel, they are responsible for upholding Missouri traffic laws. This includes following all post speed limits. While going a few miles-per-hour over the speed limit may not seem like a big deal, it can cause major car accidents. A speeding, or otherwise reckless driver, may not be able to control the person’s vehicle, make necessary stops or avoid collisions, like a driver following the speed limit would.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is often the cause of many injuries and deaths. Data collected by the NHTSA shows that, in 2012, speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of fatal accidents that year. Because of speeding drivers, more than 10,000 people were killed in car accidents in 2012.
This is obviously a huge problem. In fact, speeding-related accidents and deaths amount to more than $40 billion in damages each year in the United States. Data shows that men are more likely to speed than women. Additionally, younger drivers are also more likely to go faster than the speed limit allows. In 2012, 37 percent of speeding-related accidents were caused by males between the ages of 21 and 24. Additionally, speeding becomes even more dangerous when mixed with additional factors — including alcohol consumption and inclement weather.
When negligent and reckless drivers are responsible for car accidents, victims can hold them legally responsible. Evidence of negligent behavior — like speeding — can be used by an attorney to show that the driver owes the victim compensation. This compensation can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages caused by the accident.