Speeds Increase as Sequester in Place Rules Continue
Speeding citations in California may have decreased overall, but the number of drivers reaching speeds of 100 mph or more has increased since Californians were placed under a stay-at-home order. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), although the state is on shut down, officers are still on hand to monitor driver mistakes, and speeding is one of them. Representatives of the Highway Patrol said that the number of speeding citations for driving at a speed less than 100 mph has dropped by 60 percent as compared to those issued one year ago at the end of March throughout the state. However, the number of citations handed to drivers for motoring at speeds of 100 mph or more has increased by 30 percent.
Sacramento Speeding Citations
In Sacramento, according to the CHP’s Valley Division, the number of speeders going over 100 mph has more than doubled as compared to last year. In 2019, the number of speeding citations was recorded as 17, and this year it was 36. A CHP representative, Mike Harris, commented that during Sacramento’s rush hour, drivers tend to slow down as traffic increases. Now, with workers sequestered at home, the rush hour does not exist. Because of this, there is a better flow of traffic, and drivers are not caught in the congestion that normally exists. However, with cleared roads, some drivers are risking an accident by increasing their speed. Speeders are more likely to be caught and issued speeding citations since the police are better able to observe the vehicles.
Downsides of Speeding Aside From Speeding Citations
Aside from being caught and having to pay a fine or being assigned license points, speeding increases the risk of dying in a car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that about one-third of all deaths on the highway are due to speeding. However, this is not limited to highway driving, and rural roads have their share of speeders. In addition, by speeding, a driver is setting themselves up for a crash.
Why Do Speeders Speed?
Although drivers are increasing their risk of being seriously injured or dying, they continue to speed. Let’s look at a few common reasons this reckless behavior continues:
- Drivers are late: Despite the fact that they may never reach their destination if they speed, drivers often think the few minutes they save will be worth the risk of getting in an accident.
- Laws do not pertain to them: Aggressive and reckless drivers might believe that the rules of the road do not apply to them.
- Distractions: Drivers may be busy focusing on their phone or playing with the radio and do not realize how fast their vehicle is moving.
- Misreading the danger: Many drivers feel they will be able to handle their vehicles safely, even if they are speeding. However, speeding makes controlling the vehicle harder and extends the distance it must go before stopping.
- Drunk driving: Someone who is inebriated is often unable to monitor how fast their vehicle is moving. This can lead to a speeding citation or an accident.
- Fatigue: Falling asleep at the wheel can cause the driver to speed. Because they are asleep, they are unaware of a looming accident and are killed.
How Is Speeding Defined?
Overall, speeding is defined as traveling at a speed that exceeds the limit. Poor road conditions such as slick roads change the definition slightly. In such cases, a driver who is exceeding the speed limit that is appropriate for road conditions is also considered to be speeding. Remember, speeding can occur on the highway and in an urban setting. Many pedestrian accidents, for example, occur when a motorist is unable to stop in time to miss hitting a walker.
Investigating an Accident Due to Speeding
At our firm, our investigators use accident reconstruction techniques and observation to determine if a driver caused the accident due to speeding. At the accident site, they interview witnesses and check the police report for mistakes. They look for long skid marks indicating that the vehicle took longer to stop. The investigators also make note of the absence of skid marks, which indicates that the driver was both speeding and sleeping. If a traffic surveillance camera is available, they also obtain a video of the accident as it happened. Once all data is available, our lawyers use it to build a robust claim for our client.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Have you or a family member been hurt in an accident? Call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5499 or contact me online.
I’ve helped Sacramentans for over 38 years with car crashes, traumatic injuries, and wrongful deaths, among other personal injuries.
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Learn about my practice at the following links:
Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/limit-speed-car-lead-usa-signal-2299513/
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