Aggressive Driving and Speeding Cause Many Traffic Fatalities
Speeding and aggressive driving remain a significant problem on America’s roads, according to a study released last year by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Oklahoma, however, is among the states that have made little progress to address the issue.
The Governors Highway Safety Association examined data from around the nation and found that speeding was a factor in over one-third of traffic deaths in 2010. Since the year 2000, drunk driving fatalities decreased 3% and seatbelt non-use dropped 23%. But traffic deaths caused by speeding and aggressive driving increased by 7%.
It is difficult to pinpoint why speeding and aggressive driving fatalities have risen, but some suspect the reason relates to public indifference to speeders, lack of law enforcement resources to punish speeding drivers, and the widespread perception that speed enforcement is simply a way of generating fines rather than keeping the public safe.
Over the past several years, Oklahoma’s state police force has lost a significant amount of funding. As a consequence perhaps, speeders and aggressive drivers are less likely to be caught. It’s a good idea to talk to an Oklahoma car accident lawyer if you have been in an accident caused by another driver.
Fifteen states have laws that address aggressive driving (see examples of aggressive driving), but progress is slow.
Speed Limits Rise
In some states highway speed limits are rising despite research that suggests higher speeds increase the danger on the road. The speed limit on Oklahoma’s rural interstates is 75 miles per hour. Some states have stiffer penalties for drivers who speed excessively, and in some places a driver’s license can be suspended for traveling far in excess of the posted speed limit.
The Governors Highway Safety Association and other groups are urging lawmakers to work toward a safer driving environment by keeping speed limits reasonable and encouraging law enforcement to take an active role in curtailing dangerous driving. Stopping aggressive and speedy drivers, however, may prove a difficult task.
Drivers who speed or drive aggressively end lives prematurely, damage property, and cause serious injuries every day. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a car crash, truck accident, motorcycle wreck or traffic accident at Burch, George & Germany, P.C., may be able to help you.
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