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Speed a Major Contributing Factor in Coral Springs Car Accidents

Two men were recently killed in a Coral Springs traffic collision in which police say the driver rounded a curve, lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a tree.
Both men, aged 22, are believed to have died upon impact. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities are speculating that speed was most likely a factor in the wreck.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that one-third of all traffic deaths each year are the direct result of a driver who was traveling too fast. That amounts to about 10,000 lives lost.

Even more troubling, the recently-released National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior revealed that while about half of all drivers believe that other drivers’ speeding is a major threat to their own safety and the safety of other motorists, one in five admit to “trying to get where I am going as fast as I can.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx was quoted as saying that while we all have places we need to be, drivers place themselves, their loved ones and others who share the road at risk by speeding.

The message is especially important in the midst of this hectic holiday season. A lot of people are busy. Many are traveling long distances. There is a greater risk of encountering drunken drivers this time of year. There is also a higher likelihood (particularly for those who are northbound) that the weather will be inclement, necessitating lower speeds to maintain safety.

The recent NHTSA survey revealed a few interesting points relative to attitudes regarding speed:
–Four out of five respondents said operating a vehicle at or near the speed limits makes it less likely that one will be involved in a crash and makes it easier for drivers to avoid dangerous situations.
–More than 90 percent said they agreed that everyone should obey the speed limit because it is the law.
–Nearly half of all drivers said they believed it was important for something to be done to reduce the number of speeding drivers.

But despite all this, more than 25 percent of respondents said that speeding was something they did regularly without thinking about. About the same number said they enjoyed driving fast, and added that “skilled drivers” were safer traveling over the speed limit than others.

The reality is, speeding is unsafe for everyone. While it’s true that novice drivers (ages 16 to 20) tend to speed at a greater frequency than more experienced drivers, that does not make it Ok for anyone.

Still, given the fact that this younger age group tended to have higher speed-related crash rates than the general population (11 percent, compared to 4 percent), it’s important as we enter the new year to continue to drive home teen safe driving practices. The NHTSA’s “5 to Drive” campaign is a good place for parents to start.

Among the key points of the campaign:
–Eliminate distractions.
–Reduce the number of passengers.
–Reduce the speed.
–Avoid alcohol prior to driving.
–Always wear a seat belt.

Call Freeman Injury Law — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights.

Additional Resources:
NHTSA Finds Nearly Half of All Drivers Believe Speeding is a Problem on U.S. Roads, Dec. 11, 2013, National Highway Traffic Safety Association

More Blog Entries:
Elderly Drivers, Snowbirds, Focus of Broward Traffic Safety Efforts, Dec. 5, 2013, Coral Springs Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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