Speeding is something almost every driver is guilty of at least once, and sometimes, it’s all but impossible to drive the speed limit. You know those places where the speed limit suddenly drops to a crawl, and you just can’t figure out why.
You may be running late for an appointment and driving a little faster all but ensures you’re going to make it on time. However, speeding killed 9,378 people in 2018; along with possibly causing a traffic accident, speeding can also result in a ticket.
By the time the officer has finally finished writing your speeding ticket, you’re late for your appointment. Sometimes, you’re stuck getting there later than if you had just followed the posted speed limits in the first place.
Why Drivers Speed
Okay, some people just love to go fast. These drivers treat highways and streets like they’re on a NASCAR race course. Chances are you’ve seen this type of driver quickly whizzing in and out of traffic with little regard for other vehicles. Just watching the action is enough to make you hang far back as you anxiously hope the speeding driver doesn’t cause an accident.
While this blatant disregard for other drivers and the law is a common reason for speeding, it’s not the only one. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also known as the NHTSA, has a list of the common reasons why drivers punch the gas.
Running Late
Almost everyone has overbooked themselves at one time or the other. You have too much on your plate and are constantly rushing from one location to the next. Running late in the morning is another common occurrence.
Even those on their own find themselves rushing out the door and running behind schedule. Now, just imagine when the chaos of trying to get children ready is added to the mix—this can make getting out the door on time a monumental task.
Traffic
For some unexplainable reason, it’s not uncommon for drivers to respond to heavy traffic with aggressive driving. Yes, speeding is a type of aggressive driving.
Not sure what qualifies for aggressive driving? The behavior is defined as a combination of driving offenses that endangers others or their property.
Trying to make it to an appointment, work, or school on time in heavy traffic can lead to speeding, frequent lane changes, and aggressive behavior toward anyone who gets in the way. Even constantly honking the horn can be considered aggressive driving, especially when it’s combined with other behaviors.
Privacy
Do you feel like you’re in your own little world inside your vehicle? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone since sitting inside your vehicle can give you a sense of anonymity.
You feel slightly detached from the outside world, and you view it as an observer instead of as an active participant. This sense of privacy can make it easier to engage in risky behaviors like speeding.
After all, no one knows who you are, especially if your windows are tinted. Besides, the likelihood of seeing the other drivers you fly past is relatively slim.
Safely Dealing with Speeding Drivers
When you see or experience bad driving behavior it’s easy to lose your cool. However, this is the last thing you want to do. Becoming agitated and confronting the aggressive drive often only makes the situation worse.
Instead, if you encounter a speeding vehicle, here are a few tips on how to minimize your chances of being involved in an accident. Merge carefully out of the left lane to let the speeding car safely pass. Don’t try to keep up in the slower lane. Just let the car fly on by without incident.
Don’t follow behind a speeding too closely. Yes, you may be able to go a little faster without worrying about a traffic ticket. The police are more likely to stop the lead speeding vehicle, but they’re also at a greater risk of being involved in an accident.
Sometimes, getting out of the way isn’t enough to appease a speeding driver. Their behavior can turn frighteningly aggressive. Instead, call the authorities as soon as possible. If your phone is connected to your vehicle’s infotainment system take advantage of the voice-activated capabilities. Otherwise, pull over as soon as it’s safe and report the aggressive driver.
Common Injuries in Speeding Accidents
Speeding can cause vehicle accidents on highways, freeways, rural roads, and city streets. Even if the speeding car is the only vehicle on the road, an accident can still occur. When you’re traveling at a high rate of speed, over the posted speed limit, it’s relatively easy to lose control of the vehicle. Along with running off the road, you can hit a neighbor’s fence or even their home.
From head-on collisions to roll-over, T-bone, and read-end accidents, the injuries sustained in a collision involving a speeding driver can be severe. Some common injuries sustained in accidents involving speeding include:
- Whiplash, typically in read-end collisions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to the neck and/or back
- Pelvic and abdominal injuries
- Injuries to the arms and legs
Some car accidents, like head-on collisions, can also result in paralysis, disfigurement, amputation, and even death. Even a minor collision with a speeding vehicle can result in catastrophic injuries.
Seeking Compensation in an Injury Case
If you’re severely injured in a speeding accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means first filing a claim with your insurance provider.
Yes, this is the law. You first file with your insurance provider and then see if you meet the qualifications to seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
The two statutes to meet are your injury must be severe and your damages are over $50,000. If you meet these standards, you can file a claim against the speeding driver.
Let an Attorney Help You Receive Compensation for Your Accident Claim
Speeding is a common issue on New York roads, occurring not just in the bustling city streets but also in quieter rural areas as well. This type of aggressive driving behavior poses a significant risk and can lead to severe injuries.
If you find yourself injured due to a speeding driver, it’s important to consult with an accident attorney immediately. Under New York law, you may have a right to compensation, and an attorney can help ensure that your rights are fully protected and pursued.
