Speeding Accident Kills Three Virginia Pedestrians

September 14, 2012

A recent car accident in the small town of Pamplin, Virginia, resulted in the deaths of three pedestrians. The three men were standing on Route 460 around 10:30 pm when they were struck by a vehicle. The driver of the car was taken to a hospital, and one of the two other passengers in the car was seriously injured. Police said it did not appear that alcohol was a factor. They did, however, note that the car was speeding when the accident occurred.

Consequences of Speeding

Speeding is the third most common risk factor in traffic accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one in three fatal crashes is caused at least in part by speeding. The agency defines speed-related crashes as those in which the driver was charged for speeding or a law enforcement officer said speeding was a factor. Speeding can involve driving too fast in dangerous weather or road conditions, exceeding the posted speed limit or racing.

Unlike other risk factors like drinking and driving and failure to wear a seatbelt, safety advocates have seen little improvement in speeding-related crash statistics. Most drivers admit to speeding, citing factors such as being in a rush, inattention or the belief that their speeding is safe. Studies show that young male drivers are the group most likely to be involved in accidents where speeding is a factor.

Unfortunately, the data shows that speeding is not safe, with over 13,000 speed-related traffic deaths each year. Speeding is a major factor in work-zone accidents. Contrary to popular belief, most speeding accidents don't happen on the highway, but on roads with much lower posted limits.

Legal Rights of Victims of Speeding Crashes

While law enforcement provides deterrents through traditional ticketing and the increasing use of automated camera or radar enforcement, speeding remains a chief risk factor for everyone on the road. Victims of traffic accidents caused by speeding drivers are entitled to compensation for injuries, pain and suffering and lost wages. If you are injured in such a crash, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights.

Article provided by Curran & Whittington, PLLC
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