The Blue Lights- UGH!
Most of us have had that horrible panicky feeling when we see that black and white police car with the blue flashing lights come up behind us. The first thought, was I speeding? And if the answer is yes, brace yourself, you’re probably in a ton of trouble.
If you’re caught speeding in Virginia, you’re in for a long ride and some hefty penalty and court fines. Driving 15mph over the speed limit will cost around $315.00 after court costs and the $6 per mile over the speed limit fine. And depending on your driving record, you may need to shop for new car insurance as well. Drivers who are convicted of speeding in Virginia can expect to have an increase in their insurance premiums over at least $55 for the 3 years following the conviction. These steep fines and penalties can really put a dent in your bank account.
The Real Reason Why You Shouldn’t Speed
When we think about speeding, we often think we shouldn’t speed because we might get caught and be incovenienced by the delay and the court date, not to mention the fines and the insurance rate increases.
But the real reason we shouldn’t speed is because it is incredibly dangerous. In 2015, 9,557 people were killed in speed-related crashes. This accounted for one-third of all motor-vehicle fatalities. And these are just the people who DIED, this number doesn’t account for people who suffered life altering serious injuries incurred as a result of a speed-related car accident.
What Really Happens in a Speed-Related Accident
Speed limits are set by officials based on the type of road and how heavily the road is traveled. For example, speed limits in residential neighborhoods are usually set at 25 mph or below, while interstates like I-81 have speed limits set at 70mph or below. Most us of drive the exact same roads every day. We take our children to school, hit the gym, swing by the grocery store, head out for a school play or ball practice and finally head home. We drive on a variety of roads with many different speed limits. We know these roads well, and perhaps even think that speeding a little on these roads won’t cause any harm. But the NHSTA begs to differ. If you are driving over the posted speed limit on any road, you take the chance of:
- losing control of your vehicle
- reduced effectiveness of your vehicles saftey systems (particularly braking)
- increased degree of crash severity which can lead to more severe injuries
- economic and psychological implications of a speed-related crash
- increased fuel consumption and fuel cost
What is the Real Cause of Speeding?
Roanoke County Police Department recently began a social-media safe-driving campaign with the hashtag #thinkaboutdriving. They have also increased patrols on Brambleton Avenue and the 419 Corridor. The campaign is meant to educate as well as raise awareness of the driving behaviors that lead to serious accidents. When interviewed by a local news source, one driver said that she believes most people habitually drive between 10-15mph over the posted limits on these two roads. Most of the accidents on 419 are rear-end accidents. This alone indicates two contributing factors: speed and distracted driving. Increasing education through the social media campaign and stepping up patrol units on these roads is an important step in making these two roadways safer.
The NHSTA also cites the following as situations that are likely to lead to increased speeding.
Ironically, traffic congestion can cause speeding. Drivers tend to become annoyed when in heavy traffic because of perceived delays. When lanes open up, many drivers react as if the “flood gates” have just opened and begin to accelerate faster than they would have if the traffic back-up had not occured. This is particularly dangerous because of the increased number of cars in the proximity of the speeder.
Others simply speed because they are “running late”. Unfortunately, going a few miles over the speed limit will not decrease amount of travel time significantly. For example, if you’re running 10 minutes late to a soccer game that is 8 miles away, you will not “make up” that time by going 45 in a 35mph zone. So, don’t even try. Leave earlier when possible.
Some speed unknowingly. Many people do not check the posted speed limits of the roads they frequently travel and on some roads, like 419, the posted speed changes from 35 to 45 depending on which section of the road you are on. Others simply are too focused on thinking about their relationships, where they’re headed, or are too busy talking on the phone to pay attention to their own odometer. Again, #thinkaboutdriving.
Others speed habitually because they have a general disregard for the safety of others and the law. I have no sympathy for this particular type of driver. This driver tends to think more about himself or herself and no one else. Again, #thinkaboutdriving.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, find a Roanoke Car Accident Lawyer to represent you so that you can focus on healing and get the compensation that you deserve. Call Paul Thomson of The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation today (540) 777-4900.
