Speed-Related Crashes Account for Nearly a Third of Traffic Fatalities
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with advocates and experts nationwide to introduce the “Speeding Wrecks Lives” campaign. This campaign is being launched because recent data reveals that although overall roadway deaths have slightly decreased, the number of speeding-related fatalities has reached the highest in 14 years. These speeding-related deaths account for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities.
From July 10-31, the campaign will be in action as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts to tackle the problem of road fatalities. The campaign is backed by a $9.6 million investment in national media advertising, which includes TV, radio, and digital platforms with ads in both English and Spanish. The main focus of these ads is drivers aged 18 to 44, as data reveals they are most prone to being involved in fatal crashes caused by speeding.
New Data on Speeding
The NHTSA recently shared new information about speeding, revealing that the number of deaths caused by speeding increased by 8% from 2020 to 2021. In 2021 alone, there were 12,330 fatalities resulting from speeding-related crashes, accounting for about 29% of all traffic deaths that year. Furthermore, the estimated number of individuals injured in speeding-related accidents rose by 7%. Interestingly, out of all the different types of vehicles involved in fatal crashes, motorcycle riders accounted for the highest percentage of speeding incidents, with 33% of them exceeding the speed limit.
Many drivers involved in crashes caused by speeding also do other dangerous things while driving. Drivers who were speeding and got into fatal crashes were often under the influence of alcohol, unlike drivers who weren’t speeding. Also, more than half of the drivers who were speeding didn’t wear seat belts, while only 23% of the drivers who weren’t speeding didn’t wear seat belts.
The NHTSA recently conducted a study on how law enforcement officers work to decrease speeding. According to the study, the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit significantly predicted crashes related to speeding. On the other hand, the number of drivers who adhered to the speed limit did not have the same effect. This suggests that the total number of vehicles on the road can increase without causing more crashes if those additional vehicles are driving at or below the speed limit. Additionally, the study discovered that using empty police cars as decoys, issuing citations, and employing digital speed signs can continue reducing speeding even after they are no longer present in those areas.
National Roadway Safety Strategy
In January 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), a roadmap to deal with traffic fatalities and injuries. This plan focuses on making roads, people, vehicles, and speeds safer and improving post-crash care. Alongside this strategy, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides significant funding for safety initiatives, such as the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program. In February, the Department awarded over $800 million in grants to more than 500 communities, helping them carry out projects to address areas with many crashes. Additionally, the U.S. DOT launched a Call-to-Action campaign as part of the NRSS, which includes a one-year progress report and visual representations of data that demonstrate the scope of the roadway safety problem in the country.
Roadway Safety Actions
The NHTSA is collaborating with States to tackle speed-related issues by employing different strategies. These include establishing safe speed limits and working with communities to create targeted public education and enforcement programs. In July, several States are running speed campaigns to educate people and enforce safer driving speeds, aiming to reduce crashes caused by speeding. NHTSA’s other roadway safety actions include the following:
- Implement advanced pedestrian automatic emergency braking technology.
- Update the New Car Assessment Program to include a pedestrian protection program.
- Finalized a decision on rear-impact guards for vehicles.
- Gather more information about crashes involving automated driving systems and they have issued a particular order.
- Develop a Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment to assist states in their required assessments.
- Establish a working group to create a report on Complete Streets for Congress.
- Work on revising the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices based on public feedback.
- Publish a notice to discuss speed limiters with a focus on motor carriers.
Watch the YouTube video below to learn more about the Speeding Wrecks Lives campaign.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a California Personal Injury Lawyer. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact our law firm at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. Our experienced legal team has been assisting injured individuals in securing rightful compensation for their accident claims since 1982. Take a look at our successful track record of past verdicts and settlements.
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