Speeding while driving, unfortunately, is ingrained in American culture. Ever since the first U.S. speeding ticket was issued in 1904 (for traveling at 12 miles per hour), speed has been a continuous societal concern as well as a source of controversy. Driving too fast for road conditions is reckless, and driving in excess of posted speed limits endangers lives. Speeding is one of the main factors behind many car crashes, and in 2017, 228 persons died on Nebraska’s roadways.
If you or a family member has sustained an injury in any type of automobile collision, we are here to help. When you retain a personal injury attorney from the Robert Pahlke Law Group, you have the benefit of more than 85 years of combined legal experience on your side. While we cannot guarantee a favorable outcome in your case, we strive to give our clients the best chance for obtaining a favorable outcome given their specific circumstances.
A report published by USA Today indicates that speeding is something people aren’t particularly concerned about. Speed limits have increased across the country since Congress repealed a 55 miles per hour federal speed limit law in 1995. This change has resulted in a net economic benefit of between $2 billion and $3 billion per year.
According to a 2019 report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association, U.S. drivers are mostly aware of the risks associated with speeding but continue to speed nonetheless. Drivers have a minimal perception of the risks of getting a ticket, causing a crash, or violating social norms.
The Consequences of Speeding
During the last 20 years, speeding has been consistently named as a factor in the majority of motor vehicle accidents. The consequences of speeding are widespread and include:
- Loss of vehicle control. Speeding contributes to an increased risk of losing control of a vehicle. At higher speeds, all vehicles become more difficult to maneuver, particularly when evasive action is necessary, like taking corners or curves.
- Increased stopping distance. In an emergency, the average driver takes about 1.5 seconds to react. Stopping distances increase exponentially the faster you go.
- Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries. The faster a car is going, the longer it will take to stop and the harder the resulting impact will be.
- Economic implications of a speed-related crash.
- Increased fuel consumption/cost.
Despite the widespread dangers associated with speeding, there are some non-safety advantages to increasing one’s speed, which partly explains the continued problem that speeding poses. These advantages include:
- Reaching traffic lights while they are still green
- Shorter journey times
- The thrill of speed
Driving Slightly Slower Can Make a Big Difference
The slogan “leave earlier, drive slower, live longer” packs a lot of punch. The fact of the matter is, speed kills.
The World Health Organization’s findings show that 40 to 50 percent of all cars travel above the posted speed limit. Just slowing down by 10 miles per hour can make a significant difference. A pedestrian hit by a car traveling at 50 miles per hour is three times more likely to die than if they are hit by one going only 30 miles per hour. Would you sacrifice 5.04 minutes to save a life? A 30-mile commute to work traveling at 55 miles per hour will take 32.73 minutes, speeding up by 10 miles per hour means you will get to work in 27.8 minutes. This is only 5.04 minutes faster and is not worth the increased danger associated with speeding.
According to Ford Motor Company, driving a vehicle at 65 miles per hour consumes about 15 percent more fuel than driving the same vehicle at 55 miles per hour. More fuel consumed means more CO2 released into the atmosphere. Thus, driving at or below the speed limit has environmental, as well as safety, benefits.
If you sustained an injury in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, contact the Robert Pahlke Law Group to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We want to hear your story, and we want to help level the playing field between your family and the insurance company.
Only Four States Have Higher Speed Limits Than Nebraska
In Nebraska, we have one of the highest maximum speed limits in the United States. Only four states have higher limits: Idaho, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Below are some of the common speed limits seen throughout the state:
- Rural interstate highways: 75 miles per hour
- Expressways and freeways: 65 miles per hour
- State highways: 60 miles per hour
- Country roads, hard paved surface: 50 miles per hour
- Residential districts: 25 miles per hour
- Business districts: 20 miles per hour
- School zones when children are present: as posted
- Work zones when workers are present: as posted
The Three-Second Rule Can Prevent Speeding Car Accidents
Keep yourself safe while driving, and do your part to lessen the likelihood of being involved in a car accident in Nebraska. Observe the three-second rule, regardless of what speed you’re driving. This is how the three-second rule works:
- While driving, pick out a sign or pole on the side of the road.
- When the car in front of you passes it, count off three seconds.
- The front of your vehicle should not reach the marker before you reach three.
- If you pass the marker before you reach the count of three, slow down and try again.
The Future of Highway Safety
Speeding and driver assist technology is available in many vehicles (generally, 2011 and newer). A forward collision warning (FCW) system monitors a vehicle’s speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the vehicles. If vehicles get too close due to the speed of the rear vehicle, the FCW system will warn the driver of an impending crash. These systems use sensors that alert the driver when the distance between two vehicles becomes so short that a collision is imminent. By giving the driver either an audible or visual display, evasive action can be taken to avoid a collision.
Were You Injured by a Speeding Driver in Nebraska?
Our comprehensive experience in personal injury cases and a thorough understanding of this complex area of the law allow us to take an aggressive, proactive approach to obtain favorable outcomes. We understand the types of injuries that can result from a speeding vehicle, and we know what level of compensation is required to ensure recovery. While we cannot guarantee a favorable result in any specific case, we strive to make a personal connection with all of our clients and to positively impact our community.
Call the Robert Pahlke Law Group today at (308) 633-4444, or contact us online, to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.