Speeding contributes to a significant number of car accidents. In fact, one study showed that as many as 28% of fatal wrecks involved speeding, while 13% of those crashes that result in injuries are caused by speeding. Those who are impacted by these car accidents end up suffering a lot, too. Their physical injuries, while painful, can also leave them immobile, unable to work, and incapable of enjoying the things they love in life. Tack on the financial ramifications and these victims are often left completely overwhelmed, stressed, depressed, and riddled with anxiety.
While enhanced law enforcement measures and more aggressive public safety initiatives have tried to curtail the prevalence of speeding, they continue to fail. That’s why many are calling on the United States to follow Europe’s lead in implementing intelligent speed assistance systems in all new vehicles.
What is intelligent speed assistance?
Intelligent speed assistance is a technological system installed in cars and trucks to prevent them from travelling faster than the posted speed limit. Some of these systems are passive in nature, doing nothing more than warning motorists when they exceed the speed limit, while others are active in automatically limiting the car’s speed so that it travels at or below the speed limit.
Is intelligent speed assistance being used now?
Yes. Europe recently mandated the installation of these systems in newly built vehicles. It’s hoped that statistics will show that this step reduces car accidents and their corresponding injuries and deaths. However, intelligent speed assistance systems currently are not in use in the United States.
Why hasn’t the United States embraced intelligent speed assistance programming?
Although the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration endorses the use of intelligent speed assistance, car manufacturers currently don’t feel obligated to implement them into their newly build vehicles. There’s no rule, regulation, or law that requires them to install these systems, and since the public isn’t clamoring for them, car makers don’t have an incentive to utilize them. After all, installing intelligent speed assistance systems will likely cost manufacturers more to produce their cars and trucks, and those expenses will likely be passed down to consumers.
Using legal action to hold speeding drivers accountable
Until the United States comes around on intelligent speed assistance systems, those who are harmed by speeding drivers will have to turn to the law for the help that they need. A successful personal injury claim not only imposes liability and leads to the recovery of compensation, but it can also deter others from driving negligently in the future. This, in turn, can help curtail dangerous driving actions like speeding.
But if you’ve been hurt in one of these wrecks and want to take legal action, then you need to know how to build an effective personal injury case. This means gathering physical evidence and witness testimony, identifying experts who can help you prove certain elements of your claim, and anticipating and preparing to counter the defense’s arguments. Are you ready for that?
Don’t let your legal opportunity pass you by
You only get one shot at your car accident personal injury case. Don’t make the mistake of putting forth a haphazard claim that has little chance of securing the outcome you want. Instead, take the time needed to thoroughly analyze the facts of your case so that you can craft the persuasive legal arguments necessary to impose liability, secure compensation, and protect your future.