Speeding A Leading Cause Of Car Accidents In Monterey

With summer here, the increase in traffic in the Monterey area increases the likelihood of car accidents. With the roads so crowded, it is easy for drivers to lose their cool and engage in aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding. Unfortunately, speeding not only makes car accidents in Monterey more likely to happen but also increases the risk of serious, potentially fatal personal injuries.

Speeding To Blame For Nearly A Quarter of All Car Accidents In Monterey

According to the California Office Of Traffic Safety (OTS), there are an average of roughly 2,500 car accidents in Monterey each year. Speeding is responsible for over 600, nearly a quarter of all accidents. Going faster than the speed limit is common in Monterey and may shave a few minutes from travel time, but the severity of the risks far outweigh any minor benefits. Among the risks it poses include:

• Makes it more difficult to navigate the frequent twists and turns on roads in Monterey County;
• Dramatically reduces reaction times, making it even more dangerous to navigate crowded and unpredictable summer traffic;
• Increases the force of an accident, reducing the effectiveness of airbags and seat belts;
• Increases rollover risks for vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as trucks and SUV’s.

Speeding is even more dangerous during adverse weather, including rain and heavy fog. Rough road surfaces also increase speeding risks, making it more likely to lose tire traction. Speeding can have devastating impacts when it comes to other motorists and their passengers, as well as cyclists and pedestrians on the road.

Speeding Increases The Risk Of Potentially Fatal Car Accident Injuries

According to the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), speeding not only increases the risk of a car accident, but also the potential for severe and life-threatening personal injuries.

The increased force of impact makes the following types of injuries more common:

• Crushing injuries, causing severe harm to limb and body organs or systems.
• Traumatic brain injuries, which can happen due to any bump, blow, or jolt to the head.
• Spinal cord injuries, causing partial or permanent paralysis.
• Burn injuries, due to a greater tendency for vehicles to burst into flames in high-impact collisions.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a speed-related car accident in Monterey, follow posted speed limits and use extra caution during adverse weather and when traffic is heavy. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Avoid tailgating, cutting others off in traffic, and other aggressive behavior. If you encounter a speeding driver, keep your distance, and if you think they pose risks to you or others, pull over and notify the police.

Contact Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a seed-related car accident, reach out to the Allen Law Firm. We provide the expertise and experience needed to help you get compensation. Call or contact our Monterey car accident lawyer online and request a consultation today.

Sources:

ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/crash-rankings/

iihs.org/topics/speed#:~:text=High%20speeds%20make%20a%20crash,limits%20leads%20to%20more%20deaths