The Georgia roads can be dangerous for everyone whether they are drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists. While there are many reasons why an accident can occur, speeding remains a primary catalyst for crashes with catastrophic injuries and death.
That might have been obscured in recent years as other risks such as distracted driving, driving under the influence and drowsy driving came to the forefront. However, speeding is a continuing problem and, according to recent statistics, is getting worse with more people dying because of it.
Being aware is important, but that will not always be enough. After an accident, it is important to think about the future and know what can be done to address the challenges that arise.
NHTSA data shows how speeding is getting worse
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its most recent statistics for road fatalities and they show that speeding has been rising in recent years. The NHTSA used its Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to make its analysis.
For three consecutive years, there has been an increase in fatal collisions that were related to speeding drivers. The latest numbers are for 2021. From 2018 through 2021, there was a spike of more than 28% in speed-related fatalities across the nation. In the decade from 2012 to 2021, it rose by more than 19%.
People tended to speed more during holidays over the last 10 years with a nearly 4% increase in deaths due to speeding from non-holidays to Labor Day and Memorial Day. Motorcycle fatalities had the highest number of crashes due to speeding at almost 36%.
THE NHTSA believes that drivers had grown so used to being free to drive at excessive speed when the roads were emptier and there was less law enforcement during the national health challenge in 2020 that it carried over.
Recently, several Southern states took the initiative in encouraging drivers to slow down. The program, known as “Operation Southern Slow Down,” had multiple law enforcement and safety entities taking part. The objective is a lofty one where they want to end all traffic fatalities that happen due to drivers traveling at excessive speed and being reckless. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities due to speed continues its upswing.
An auto accident needs to be fully analyzed when deciding how to proceed
Anyone can be in an auto accident whether they are a school age child, an adult with extensive experience on state and national roadways and people in between. A common denominator that can impact just about everyone who is involved in a crash is the aftermath. The combined costs from medical care, lost time at work and the need to help an injured loved one are exorbitant. The challenges are even more pronounced if there is a fatality.
It is easy to tell drivers not to speed. In many cases, they simply do not think they will be in an auto accident and continue to behave recklessly. For those who are unlucky enough to encounter a speeding driver and are in an accident, they and their families should know how valuable it is to have guidance that will advocate for their interests and help with moving forward to make a full recovery in every facet.
