CAR ACCIDENTS

Speeding is the leading cause of fatal accidents. Speeding substantially increases the risk of harm to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists in several ways. Speeding increases the braking distance needed to avoid a collision, making braking more difficult for drivers. Speeding also decreases a driver’s field of vision, thereby hindering the ability to notice other cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

The basic speeding law is that drivers are prohibited from travelling at a speed greater than is reasonable based on the weather, traffic conditions, visibility, or road conditions. The speed limit for a highway or road is generally posted on traffic signs. If the speed limit is not posted, the law imposes a speed limit of 15 miles per hour when crossing railroad tracks or driving in alleys, and 25 miles per hour in residential neighborhoods and business districts.

More than 25% of traffic-related deaths involve drunk driving. In fact, drivers under the influence of alcohol are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident than sober drivers. Intoxicated driving is not only dangerous, but also is a criminal offense.

Hit and runs are another common cause for these fatalities. Approximately 682,000 hit and run collisions occur each year. Tragically, about 65 % of fatal hit and run collisions involve pedestrians and bicyclists. Hit and run collisions are particularly traumatic because the victim is left helpless and in need of urgent medical treatment.

The law requires drivers involved in an accident resulting in an injury to another person to remain at the scene of the accident. It is a criminal offense to flee the scene under these circumstances.

Fatal accidents are also caused by drivers’ failure to yield. In fact, a failure to yield causes about 25 % of fatal pedestrian accidents. Drivers frequently strike pedestrians by failing to notice pedestrians in crosswalks while turning onto a street. Pedestrians generally have the right of way. In other words, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians walking in any marked crosswalk, or any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.