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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there are approximately 10,000 speeding-related fatalities every year. In 2017, 9,717 people died in speeding accidents. This is 26 percent of all traffic fatalities.

On March 23, 2019, a 23-year-old man was killed when he was involved in a three-vehicle speeding accident in Orange County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The three cars were speeding at 4:55 a.m. when one of the vehicles lost control, hitting a cement pillar under a bridge.

Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The NHTSA says the consequences are far-ranging:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
• Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger
• Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries
• Economic implications of a speed-related crash
• Increased fuel consumption/cost

After many states raised their interstate highway speed limits in 1996, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted research which showed a clear link between speed and fatalities. When a speeding crash occurs, it is more likely to be severe. The impact force doubles with every 10 mile-per-hour increase in speed at speeds faster than 50 miles-per-hour.

Florida Statute 316.183 states:

• No matter what the posted speed limit is, it is unlawful to drive a vehicle on a highway at speeds which are greater than a reasonable, prudent person would drive under the same conditions. Speed must always be controlled in a manner which avoids collisions with other vehicles, persons or objects. All persons who drive a vehicle on Florida highways must use due care and follow all legal requirements.
• School buses may not exceed Florida’s posted speed limits under any circumstances at any time.
• Drivers must reduce their speed appropriately when going across a railroad crossing or through an intersection, when approaching a hill crest or going around a curve, when traveling on a narrow or winding road or any time a hazard exists to pedestrians or other drivers.
• Drivers must reduce their speed appropriately during inclement weather; however no person shall drive so slowly that the normal traffic movement is blocked or impeded.
• When driving through a construction or work zone, no driver shall exceed the posted maximum speed limit.
• Violations of Florida statute 316.183 are non-criminal traffic infractions, punishable as traffic infractions as provided for under chapter 318.

British researchers suggest that at least one-third of all people involved in even nonfatal accidents have posttraumatic disorders, persistent anxiety, depression, and phobias one year after the incident.

In addition, car accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They can also lead to spinal cord injuries; paralysis; back injuries; burns; internal injuries; fractures and broken bones; disfiguring facial injuries and scars; limb loss and amputation; neck injuries and whiplash; knee, foot and ankle injuries; shoulder, wrist and hand injuries; lacerations; bruises and road rash; crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident, it is important to contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We conduct a thorough investigation of all accidents and are available 24/7 to assist you. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorney Randall Spivey.

Cape Coral Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.