If you were in a car crash here in Connecticut, there’s a good chance it was caused by a speeding driver. Speeding was behind 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2018, killing a total of 9,378 people. This includes going over the speed limit, racing and driving too fast for road or weather conditions. Though speed-related deaths have decreased since 2010, when they made up 32% of all traffic fatalities, the concerns are still there.
Factoring in a driver’s age and gender
As a driver’s age increases, the risk of being in a speeding-related fatal crash goes down. The most at-risk drivers turned out to be male motorists between the ages of 15 and 20 and between 21 and 24. These age brackets were the most likely, at least in 2018, to be found speeding at the time of a fatal crash.
At least 29% of male motorists in these age groups involved in fatal crashes were speeding when the crashes occurred. Among females, the percentages came to 18% for 15- to 20-year-olds and 14% for 21- to 24-year-olds. In third was 25- to 34-year-olds, with 25% of males and 14% of females found speeding prior to a fatal crash. On the other end were drivers 75 and older, of whom 8% of males and 5% of females were found doing the same thing.
Causes of speeding-related crashes
Road conditions played a large role in speeding-related crashes in 2018, with 45% of these incidents taking place on streets with mud, dirt or gravel. On 41%, ice or frost was involved while in 37%, the main factor was moving or standing water. Lastly, alcohol contributed to many of these crashes. Among speeding drivers under the age of 21, 22% were alcohol-impaired. Among those between 25 and 44 years old, the percentage was a startling 42%.
When you’re the victim of a speeding driver
Speeding-related car accidents often form the basis for personal injury claims. You could file a claim, too, as long as the defendant’s degree of fault surpasses your own. A lawyer could assist with every step, including the negotiation of a settlement, while you focus on your physical recovery.
