NHTSA Devises New Strategy to Curb Speeding
Safety officials have been looking for ways to encourage drivers to slow down--but it's easier said than done. A recent NHTSA study, however, shows that financial rewards may motivate drivers to slow down.
December 01, 2012
NHTSA Devises New Strategy to Curb SpeedingNearly every driver speeds from time to time. For some, driving 10 or 15 mph over the posted speed limit is simply standard practice.
The prevalence of speeding is one of the biggest threats to highway safety, both in New York and across the United States. Every year, speeding-related accidents claim more than 13,000 lives. Speeding is involved in one-third of all fatal accidents and is the third leading cause of traffic accidents overall.
Regulators and safety experts have long been looking for ways to encourage drivers to slow down. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done. Previous strategies to curb speeding -- like increased police patrols, speed monitoring cameras or signs that display a driver's velocity -- just haven't worked. Americans, apparently, love to drive fast.
Financial Rewards May Reduce Speeding
Thankfully, there may be a glimpse of progress on the horizon. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study shows that financial rewards may motivate drivers to slow down.
The researchers promised participants a $25 reward for each week of safe driving. Speeding reduced the reward. Drivers lost 3 cents every time they went between 5 and 8 mph above the speed limit. Going 9 mph or more above the limit increased the penalty to 6 cents. Researchers monitored speeding by installing special GPS devices in participant's cars.
The system proved to be remarkably effective. Once the monetary penalties were instituted, drivers almost never traveled more than 9 mph over the speed limit. Researchers think the strategy works so well because of the combination of reward and penalty. A tangible financial reward can be much more motivating than the theoretical risk of getting a ticket or causing a car accident.
The next step is to determine how this principle can be expanded into real-world applications. The researchers suggested that insurance companies could use similar technology to reduce customers' premiums.
New York Speeding Accidents
Speeding accidents happen all too frequently in New York. If you have been the victim of a car accident caused by a speeding driver, know that you have a right to hold that driver accountable. A personal injury can help you understand your options.
Article provided by Law Offices of David J. Hernandez & Associates
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