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Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic accidents
in the United States. The economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes
is estimated by the NHTSA to be $28.0 billion per year. In 2001, speeding was a
contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes, and 12,628 lives were
lost in speeding-related crashes. At Buchanan & Buchanan, P.L.C. , we use every
means available to prove negligence on the part of a speeding driver in order to
obtain the highest monetary reward for our clients. Under Michigan law, all
motorists are required to drive at a speed that is reasonable or prudent M.C.L.
� 257.627(1).
Any speed in excess of the following speeds is evidence of unreasonable driving:
Motor vehicle crashes cost society an estimated $4,800 per second. The total
economic cost of crashes was estimated at $150.5 billion in 1994. The 1999
costs of speeding-related crashes was estimated to be $28.0 billion - $53,243
per minute or $887 per second. In 1999, 606,000 people received minor injuries
in speeding-related crashes. An additional 73,000 people received moderate
injuries, and 40,000 received serious to critical injuries in speeding-related
crashes (based on methodology from The Economic Cost of Motor Vehicle Crashes
1994, NHTSA).
Speeding reduces a driver�s ability to steer safely around curves or objects in
the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the
distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation. For
drivers involved in fatal crashes, young males are the most likely to be
speeding. The relative proportion of speeding-related crashes to all crashes
decreases with increasing driver age. In 1999, 36 percent of the male drivers 15
to 20 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of
the crash. Further, alcohol and speeding seem to go hand in hand. In 1999, 23
percent of the speeding drivers under 21 years old who were involved in fatal
crashes were also intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10
(grams per deciliter [g/dl]) or greater. In contrast, only 9 percent of the
nonspeeding drivers under age 21 involved in fatal crashes in 1999 were
intoxicated. For drivers between 21 and 24 years of age who were involved in
fatal crashes in 1999, 44 percent of speeding drivers were intoxicated, compared
with only 19 percent of nonspeeding drivers. Alcohol and speeding are clearly a
deadly combination.
The percentage of speeding involvement in fatal crashes was approximately twice
as high for motorcyclists as for drivers of passenger cars or light trucks, and
the percentage of alcohol involvement was approximately 50 percent higher for
motorcyclists. In 1999, only 39 percent of speeding passenger vehicle drivers
under 21 years old who were involved in fatal crashes were wearing safety belts
at the time of the crash. In contrast, 61 percent of nonspeeding drivers in the
same age group were restrained. For drivers 21 years and older, the percentage
of speeding drivers involved in fatal crashes who were using restraints at the
time of the crash was 37 percent, but 65 percent of nonspeeding drivers in fatal
crashes were restrained.
In all automobile accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly
to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable
physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you
or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident, call Buchanan & Buchanan, P.L.C.
now at (616) 458-2464 or Toll Free: (800) 272-4080 or CLICK
HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of
charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee
basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary
award or recovery of funds. Don�t delay! You may have a valid claim and be
entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before
the statute of limitations expires.
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