Today’s vehicles are more powerful than ever. Turbocharged engines are the norm for many auto manufacturers, and horsepower keeps increasing year after year. That means that while it’s easier than ever to merge into highway or interstate traffic, it’s also easier than ever to accidentally (or intentionally) violate the speed limit.
Law enforcement is well aware of this fact, and they’re cracking down on speeding drivers. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) launched a safety initiative called “Slow Down Tennessee” to help reduce the number of speeding drivers on the state’s roadways. As part of the initiative, troopers, police, and deputies will be looking for speeding drivers throughout the state.
Crash-related fatalities are up 23% compared to the same time in 2020, and 63 people had lost their lives in auto accidents through March 15, 2021. The director of the THSO says that law enforcement is noticing drivers speeding significantly above posted speed limits. They aren’t just exceeding them by 5 or even 10 mph, but rather they’re traveling up to 90 or even 95 mph in 70 mph zones.
Speeding increases the risk of a crash because it increases the length of time it takes to slow down or stop. It also makes it more likely that you’ll lose control of your vehicle, especially if you need to swerve or you make any sudden movements. And finally, speeding worsens the impact of crashes when they do happen, resulting in more serious injuries for drivers and their passengers.
If you or someone you love was hurt by a speeding driver, the Nashville car accident attorneys at Ponce Law want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.