The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched its “Speeding Wrecks Lives” campaign to cut down on the number of speeding-related fatalities across the country. The announcement comes as fresh figures show that, while overall roadway deaths have decreased by three-quarters, speeding fatalities have hit a 14-year high in 2021 and account for about one-third of all traffic fatalities.
While traffic fatalities rose in 2021, Florida took the top spot for the state with the lowest percentages of speeding fatalities for that same year. Florida accounted for 10% of speeding-related fatalities, followed by Mississippi (16%), Nebraska (16%), Maine (17%), and Tennessee (17%).
States with the most speeding-related fatalities were Texas, California, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
Below are some key findings from the NHTSA and Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and non-fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) General Estimates System (GES) and Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS).
- In 2021, speeding-related traffic crashes accounted for 28% of death crashes, 13% of injury crashes, and 9% of crashes with only property damage.
- The number of speeding-related deaths in 2021 was 12,330, which represents a 29 percent increase from the 11,428 fatalities recorded in 2020 and the highest number since 2007.
- A projected 328,946 individuals were hurt in automobile accidents in 2021 as a result of speeding (13% of all injuries).
The age group of 15 to 20 years old had the greatest rate of speeding among all age groups in 2021 for speeding-related traffic deaths: 35% of male motorists and 21% of female motorists.- Compared to 15% of non-speeding drivers, 32% of these speeding drivers who were involved in deadly traffic wrecks in 2021 did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of these collisions.
- In 2021, motorists who were found to be speeding also were more likely to have blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of.08 or higher when they were involved in deadly traffic crashes.
- In 2021, 33% of motorcycle riders engaged in deadly traffic collisions were speeding, higher than any other vehicle type.
- In fatal traffic collisions in 2021, more than half (51%) of speeding passenger vehicle drivers were unrestrained at the time of the crashes, compared to 23% of non-speeding passenger car drivers.
- When the roadway function class was known in 2021, non-interstate routes accounted for 87 percent of all speeding-related traffic deaths.
Drivers who exceed the speed limit pose a major risk to other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians on Florida roadways due to frequent congestion. Speeding-related car accidents cost millions of dollars in damages to persons and property each year, and those who incur injuries or lose loved ones in these crashes have their lives turned upside down.
Our Florida Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to remind you of a few safety tips when you are behind the wheel so that you arrive at your destination safely:
- The faster you are traveling, the longer it will take you to stop your car. Your stopping distance quadruples every time your speed doubles due to the principles of physics.
- Allow for greater stopping time with larger, heavier cars when driving downhill or on wet, slick, or uneven pavement. When pulling in front of heavy trucks, give them plenty of room.
- When you notice the brake lights of the automobile ahead of you, put your foot on the brake. That motorist has already reacted, and you will be closer to them as a result.
- Keep a close watch on your speedometer, especially before entering a bend when your vehicle is more likely to veer off the road. Make sure to apply your brakes before entering the curve.
- Maintain a steady pace with vehicles moving at the posted speed limit. Vehicles traveling at comparable speeds are less likely to collide.
- Drive at the speed limit to provide a positive example for others, particularly children.
- Allow more time for your journeys so you are not rushing to your destination.
- You can stay calm in traffic and be less likely to speed up by deep breathing or listening to soothing music.
- Allow plenty of room for speeding drivers, and if they follow too closely, let them pass.
- Avoid using the far-left lane unless you need to pass.
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