Traffic deaths in New Jersey and across the country have been on the rise in recent years. Experts disagree on the cause. While some believe that the increase of total drivers on the road has naturally led to a higher rate of collisions, others point to smartphones in the hands of distracted motorists or pedestrians. However, a study by the National Transportation Safety Board puts the blame on speeding.
The NTSB study reviewed all crashes from 2005 to 2014. Of those accidents, the study identified 112,580 deaths where speeding vehicles were determined to be the primary cause. That figure, which accounted for approximately 31 percent of traffic fatalities, nearly matched the number of fatalities attributed to drunk driving during the same time span.
These statistics have led the NTSB to recommend severely increasing the penalties for speeding to match those of DUIs. The NTSB also recommends widespread adoption of automated enforcement tools such as speed cameras. Furthermore, these recommendations include a sweeping change to the way speed limits are calculated. Under the current system, states assign speed limits based on what speeds drivers usually travel on that road. The NTSB recommends speed limits be set depending on what speed would be safest given the road conditions.
A motorist who drives recklessly at high speeds can cause a devastating accident. An individual who is hurt in such a crash may be entitled to recover monetary damages. With help from a lawyer, the victim could recover compensation for medical expenses, lost pay and pain and suffering.