California’s Latest Initiative: Better Slow Than Sorry
There’s a growing concern about the dangers of speeding in California, which has led to 35% of all traffic deaths. To address this issue, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) have launched a new campaign called “Better Slow Than Sorry.”
The campaign aims to spread the message that driving too fast can have serious consequences. They released videos in both English and Spanish online, played messages on the radio and streaming services, and put up digital billboards.
The main idea is that driving too fast becomes harder to react to changes on the road or stop in time. The campaign wants people to think about driving as if their loved ones were nearby and to realize that speeding endangers everyone, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
Campaign officials stressed that speeding is risky and can lead to deadly accidents. They also reminded drivers to be careful in work zones, where highway workers are at risk.
In 2021, over 1,500 people were killed in crashes involving speeding in California, and nationally, there was an 8% increase in speed-related crashes with 12,330 fatalities. Unsafe speed was the top cause of over 400,000 traffic crashes in the state last year, and there were more than 9,500 work zone crashes, often involving speed.
Higher Speed Cancels Vehicle Safety Features
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s research sheds light on a critical aspect of road safety—the impact of higher speeds on the effectiveness of safety features in cars. While modern vehicles come equipped with advanced safety technologies, such as airbags and improved structural designs, these features protect occupants during accidents. However, when drivers exceed the speed limits, the advantages of these safety features are significantly diminished, compromising the ability to survive crashes.
Airbags, for instance, work best when they deploy at appropriate speeds. Higher speeds increase the impact force during a collision, making it difficult for airbags to cushion the blow adequately. Instead of providing the intended protection, they may deploy too late or with reduced effectiveness, potentially failing to prevent severe injuries.
Additionally, improved structural designs in cars are engineered to withstand and distribute impact forces during crashes. At lower speeds, these designs can substantially reduce the severity of injuries. However, at higher speeds, the force experienced during a crash overwhelms the vehicle’s protective capabilities, leading to more extensive damages and a higher risk of life-threatening injuries.
The AAA Foundation’s findings emphasize the importance of adhering to speed limits and driving at appropriate speeds. By doing so, drivers can maximize the potential benefits of their vehicle’s safety features, giving them a better chance of surviving crashes with reduced injuries.
The CHP’s Commitment
The California Highway Patrol Commissioner emphasized that most accidents on the state’s roads are caused by unsafe speed and that they are committed to keeping everyone safe through education and enforcement.
During the Fourth of July holiday, the CHP issued over 9,800 speeding tickets statewide to promote safer driving practices. The campaign hopes to raise awareness and encourage responsible driving behavior to make California’s roads safer for everyone.
The following video explains the anti-speeding campaign “Better Slow Than Sorry.”
California Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney. An injury accident can cause devastating consequences. If you or a family member has suffered severe injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver, don’t hesitate to contact our law office at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. Our experienced legal team has assisted injured individuals in obtaining rightful compensation for their accident and wrongful death cases since 1982. You can also review our past verdicts and settlements to understand our expertise and dedication in handling similar cases.
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