In 2018, speeding was the main cause of 26% of all traffic fatalities according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Speeding is the main cause of an accident if the driver was going to fast for road conditions or was driving faster than a posted speed limit at the time of a crash. This is also the case if a driver is specifically cited for speeding by authorities in Connecticut or wherever the accident occurred.
What it means to drive too fast for road conditions
It can be difficult to retain control of a vehicle when roads are covered by ice, snow or mud. Therefore, you could be cited for speeding even if you were driving at or slightly below the posted speed limit when stopped by authorities. In 2018, 41% of all fatal crashes attributed to speeding occurred on roads that were covered by ice or frost. Furthermore, 37% of fatal accidents caused by excessive speed took place on roads covered in snow or slush.
Alcohol and speed can be a deadly combination
You are legally drunk if you have a blood alcohol level at or above .08%. An investigation revealed that 42% of drivers between the ages of 25 and 44 who were speeding when they caused a fatal accident were also drunk. Furthermore, 22% of speeding drivers who were under the age of 21 when they caused an accident to occur were legally impaired by alcohol. However, NSC researchers found that those older than age 45 were less likely to be driving while impaired and at an excessive speed prior to being involved in a wreck.
Drivers and passengers who were in vehicles that were involved in car accidents may experience serious injuries or death. If you are hurt in a collision caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Your family may be able to file a wrongful death claim if you are killed in a wreck that occurred because of another person’s reckless behavior.