Speeding remains a common cause of serious car accidents, according to a federal agency that hopes to educate drivers about the dangers of speeding and reduce the number of collisions caused by speeding drivers.
“Speeding fatalities have continued to increase over the past few years,” says the United States Department of Transportation, adding, “Even advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection cannot keep people safe from the dangers of speeding.”
Speeding-related accidents are on the rise
July is speeding prevention month. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, federal officials hope to educate drivers nationwide this month about the dangers of speeding-related accidents.
Between 2019 and 2021, speeding-related car accident fatalities increased by 22 percent nationwide. This includes a 17 percent increase between 2019 and 2020, plus a 5 percent increase between 2020 and 201, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Specifically, in 2020, 11,258 people died in speeding-related accidents nationwide. As a result, 29 percent of all car accident fatalities were speeding-related, according to accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Kentucky crash statistics (speeding)
Speeding remains a serious concern when it comes to car accidents in Kentucky, mirroring the situation across the nation. Shockingly, the past decade has witnessed an average of 135 fatalities per year in speeding-related car accidents in the state, based on NHTSA accident data spanning from 2012 to 2021.
Even more alarming is the fact that these numbers have surpassed the average in recent years. In 2021 alone, Kentucky recorded a total of 143 speeding-related fatalities, and the year before, in 2020, speeding-related car accidents claimed 162 lives.
Adding to the statistics, a recent study conducted by ValuePenguin ranked Kentucky as the worst state in the nation for having the highest number of speeding-related accidents per capita caused by teenage drivers. Over the period from 2011 to 2020, an average of 28 speeding-related deaths annually was attributed to teenage drivers in Kentucky, according to ValuePenguin's report.
Combating the problem
During this month's Speed Prevention Campaign, traffic safety experts from the NHTSA and the Department of Transportation honed in on two vital strategies for curbing accidents: driver education and enhanced police enforcement.
To effectively reduce the number of such collisions, the Department of Transportation emphasizes the importance of educating young drivers about the dangers of speeding. The focus on younger drivers is particularly crucial since they are disproportionately involved in speeding-related accidents.
On the enforcement front, police authorities play a pivotal role by adopting a firmer stance against speeding drivers. Extensive research has shown that drivers who receive speeding tickets tend to exhibit reduced speeding behavior in the future, indicating the significance of robust enforcement in promoting safer driving habits.
Legal help for Louisville, KY crash victims
If you've been injured in a car accident in Kentucky caused by a speeding driver, you might initially believe that pursuing a legal case is straightforward. After all, the speeding driver broke the law and caused the accident, right? However, many car accident claims can quickly become complex legal matters. That's why having an experienced attorney on your side, looking out for your best interests, is crucial.
At The Whaley Law Firm, our primary focus is on achieving meaningful results for our clients. When you choose us, you'll be working with a Louisville car accident attorney committed to winning your case. We handle our cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case. It's that simple – our dedication to your case comes with no upfront costs or risks.
Don't underestimate the complexity of car accident claims. Trust our experienced legal team to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our Kentucky law firm today and let us get to work on your behalf.