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Rise in road fatalities related to speed limit increase

On Behalf of | Jul 31, 2017 | Car Accidents |

New York drivers who are concerned about traffic safety might try not to go above the speed limit. Even though many drivers take this precaution, a research study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the increase in state speed limits over the past two decades correlates with an increase in traffic fatalities.

According to researchers, an approximate 33,000 people died between 1993 and 2013 as a direct result of the relaxation and then ultimate repeal of the national 55 mph speed limit. Cars have become safer since 1993, and traffic death rates have for the most part declined. Nonetheless, according to the study, traffic fatalities could have been even lower if states were still obligated to keep their maximum speed limits at 55 mph.

Speed limits are as high as 75 mph in many states, and the highest in the country is 85 mph in some parts of of Texas. The author of the study stated that, for every speed limit increase of 5 mph, there was a 4 percent increase in traffic fatalities. Furthermore, when considering just freeways and interstates, for every 5 mph increase there was an 8 percent rise in roadway deaths.

Reckless driving, speeding, texting and driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are all factors that can lead to a roadway accident. A person who has been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver might want to meet with an attorney and see what the most advisable method of seeking compensation for medical bills and other losses might be.

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