According to a recent survey from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), 295 people were killed in speeding-related accidents in Arizona during 2016. In addition to that, in the same year 23,065 people were injured in accidents where at least one driver was going too fast for conditions.
The same survey found that 18.31 percent of accidents (or nearly one in five crashes) involved at least one driver who was going too fast for conditions. This means that speeding is by far the most common identifiable factor contributing to accidents. (The number two factor is failing to yield right of way. It comes in at a distant second, contributing to 8.51 percent of accidents.)
If you or someone you know has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, we can help. Contact our Tucson speeding accident attorneys at the Khalidi Law Firm as soon as possible. We have more than 20 years of experience helping people injured in car accidents get the closure and compensation they deserve. Contact us online for a free consultation.
Speeding Accidents and Motorcycles
As you might expect, motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable drivers on the road. In ADOT’s survey for 2016, the findings were that 23.69 percent of accidents involving motorcyclists involved at least one driver going too fast for conditions.
On the national level, that number is even higher. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 33 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents in 2015 were speeding.
Motorcyclists are far more exposed to the elements than other drivers, so it may not come as a surprise to learn that they are the most vulnerable to speeding-related accidents. Both motorcyclists and other drivers should take care to ensure safe journeys for everyone on the road. By observing the speed limit, making use of helmets and other safety equipment, and taking care to give motorcycles and other vehicles their space, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
Speeding and Trucking Accidents
As a rule, tractor-trailers account for a relatively low proportion of accidents, but when they do get into accidents they are more likely to be catastrophic. According to ADOT, tractor-trailers were involved in just over one percent of all accidents, but they accounted for more than four percent of fatal crashes.
This isn’t surprising news for any of us. There are fewer tractor-trailers on the road than passenger vehicles, and they’re driven by some of the most skilled drivers on the road. But they are also some of the most massive vehicles on the road, so it stands to reason that an accident involving a tractor-trailer is far more likely to involve fatalities.
From 2009 to 2013, there was a nationwide spike in fatal accidents involving tractor-trailers and buses. In that five-year period, commercial vehicles were responsible for more than 14,000 fatal accidents in the United States.
One of the major causes of this type of accident is tire blowouts at high speeds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), no truck tires are rated for speeds over 81 mph, and most of them are rated for 75 mph. This is a serious problem in states where the speed limit for commercial vehicles goes as high as 80 mph.
Speeding and Car Accidents
Speeding is dangerous under even the best circumstances. But it’s important to note that speeding is not limited to driving in excess of the posted speed limit. It also means “driving too fast for conditions.” Poor lighting conditions, inclement weather, construction, and any number of other factors might indicate that the wise choice is to slow down.
Once again: Speeding is the No. 1 identifiable cause of not only car accidents, but all vehicle accidents. Obeying the rules of the road is the best way to make sure we all get where we’re going safely. Safe driving practices are your best bet for avoiding an unfortunate accident.
Work with The Khalidi Law Firm to Learn More
The Khalidi Law Firm has more than 20 years of experience helping injured persons in the Tucson area get the closure they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured (or worse) in an accident, contact us. Our Tucson speeding accident lawyers offer free consultations and can determine if your injury means you have a legal case.