Speeds Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in Arizona

According to a recent release from the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA), speed continues to be a top factor in nearly 30 percent of all fatal car accidents in Phoenix and elsewhere. This new release comes with a number of recommendations from GHSA regarding ways for state and local government officials to help to fight speeders on our roadways. Although campaigns have helped to reduce the risks associated with nearly every other kind of driving danger, speeding is still a top contributor. As a matter of fact, there were more than 10,500 people who were killed in speed-related car accident in the U.S. in 2010.Unfortunately, the fatalities associated with speed-related accidents haven’t seen any kind of reduction in the last 12 years. As a matter of fact, these kinds of fatal accidents have increased nearly 10 percent since 2000. The increase was despite a 25 percent increase in the use of seat belts in fatal accidents and a 5 percent decrease in alcohol-related accidents.

Speed continues to be only area of highway safety that hasn’t seen a reduction in nearly 30 years. Still, there’s nothing forcing drivers to speed. It’s just a result of dangerous driving habits and little emphasis on roadway safety.

Many states are going the wrong way in fighting speedy drivers. As a matter of fact, there are 7 states that have raised the speed limits to more than 80 miles per hour on some roadways. These states went against the grain and against evidence that concluded that accidents were more likely with higher speed limits. On the other hand, there are only 2 states that have raised their fines for drivers busted speeding. Another 3 states have launches new “super” or “excessive” speeder classifications.

The public doesn’t seem to be too worried about speeders either. According to a recent survey that was conducted by GHSA, nearly 80 percent of drivers responded with a “public indifference to speeding.” About 60 percent responded with a “public perception that speed enforcement is just a revenue generator” response. Another 45 percent of respondents cited “lack of federal funding for enforcement” as the reason why speeders are so common on our roadways.

Right now, there are 35 states that are experiencing a reduction in available enforcement officers to target speeds.

“Not having enough officers available to conduct speed enforcement…makes it difficult to convince offenders that speeding is unacceptable,” said Troy E. Costales with GHSA.

GHSA suggests that states start targeting speedy drivers through aggressive driving enforcement campaigns. This is suggested because the public typically views aggressive driving as more of a threat than speeding. The second recommendation is that officers should target speedy drivers in work zones and in school zones. These areas typically get more support for enforcement efforts.

If you have been injured in a traffic accident, contact the Arizona car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes to set up a free consultation. Call (602) 819-5191 to speak directly to an attorney now.

Additional Resources:

New Study: Little Progress in Reducing Speeding-Related Traffic Deaths, by the Governors Highway Safety Administration, March 8, 2012
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