You have heard it before ¾ speed kills. According to a report released by the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, speed killed 213 people in our state last year. Just nine of the state’s speed enforcement agencies tracked 12,266 speeding-related actions in 2012, such as driving above the speed limit and speeding too quickly given roadway conditions.
Our law firm represents clients in Tulsa, Norman and throughout Oklahoma injured in motor vehicle accidents, including those where the at-fault party was speeding. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers speed to be a leading cause of traffic fatalities across the country. Indeed, the NHTSA fact sheet states that speed-related fatalities made up almost one-third of total traffic fatalities in 2010. A majority of drivers involved in those fatal crashes were male and age 24 or younger. The fact sheet also shows that increased age brings decreased risk of causing a fatal, speed-related accident.
In general, speeding fatalities are more likely occur on open rural roads, while speed-related injury occurs more often on city roads. High speeds mean shorter reaction time and a far higher degree of energy released when one vehicle hits another. High-speed collisions can result in catastrophic, lifelong injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
In Oklahoma, many drivers charged with excessive speeding are allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid conviction and fines. This may work out well for these drivers, but there are speed limit regulations in place for good reasons — like the fact that speeding can cause fatal accidents.
If you or a loved one is injured or suffers wrongful death in a vehicle accident where speed played a role, seek experienced legal help from one of our lawyers.