A Car Accident Lawyer in Portland, Maine Looks at the Problem
Not only is speeding against the law, but it also puts other motorists at risk of being involved in a car accident. The reasoning is obvious: The high-impact nature of a speeding crash greatly increases the chances of serious injury and death.
Backing that up are statistics about speeding accidents in Maine. A recent study shows 38% of fatal crashes in the state are linked to speeding, ranking Maine eighth in the nation. With 112.7 deaths for every 100 speeding accidents, the state ranks 12th, slightly higher than the national rate of about 111 deaths.
For the study, speeding data came from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Researchers from ValuePenguin focused on figures from 2010 to 2019, the most recently available federal information.
In terms of speeding ticket costs, fines range from $114 for 1 to 9 mph over the speed limit to $278 for 25 to 29 mph above the limit. Fines are $531 for speeding in a construction, school, or emergency zone. Driving 30 mph or more over the limit can mean possible jail time and license suspension. A conviction for vehicular homicide raises the penalties to up to 5 years in prison and thousands in fines.
In addition, speeders in Maine can expect to pay 25% more in annual insurance premiums based on a single accident. In terms of raw dollars, a driver with a premium of $1,286 saw their insurance cost jump to $1,605.
The Speeding Pandemic
With all of the risks involved, why do drivers continue to speed and put everyone else on the road at risk?
- They are impatient with delays, other drivers, and traffic congestion.
- They throw caution into the wind to reach a destination on time.
- They feel anonymous and less accountable behind the wheel.
- They believe they can multitask – drive while talking on a phone, texting, eating, etc.
- Speeding is a thrill.
Some experts believe the pandemic has contributed to the crisis. One survey of 500 drivers found:
- 66% said less traffic on the roads made it safer to speed.
- 46% were confident of their ability to drive safely while speeding.
- 34% thought there was less law enforcement patrolling the roads.
- 25% said posted speed limits are too low.
- 17% wanted to test the speed of their vehicles.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer if You've Been Injured
If you were injured in an accident caused by a speeding driver – or worse, you lost a loved one in a fatal crash – you have recourse through the civil justice system. At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, we have been helping accident victims just like you since 1979. We know how to investigate accidents, find and preserve evidence, build airtight cases, and aggressively advocate for the compensation you deserve.
Find out how our law firm can help with your potential legal case. With offices in Portland and Waterville, we serve the entire state of Maine. Contact us today for a free consultation.