Speeding drivers cause hundreds of thousands of accidents annually, and some collisions are fatal. If vehicles fitted with speed assistance technology traveled on California roads, the number of speeding-related accidents may decrease.
Speed assistance tech
2022 saw a significant number of speeding-related crashes that resulted in someone’s death. Many others suffered serious injuries in such crashes. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends that U.S. automakers install safety technology to address speeding. Some tech could warn drivers when they travel above the speed limit, and more advanced technology might prevent the car from hitting dangerous, illegal speeds. However, automakers face no mandates to install speeding assistance technology.
Speeding presents many dangers to drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Speeding makes it harder to stop a vehicle to avoid accidents, among other hazards. Advanced technology might reduce the dangers of speeding, but drivers could still perform other reckless actions, such as tailgating to force a slower car to move out of a lane.
Speeding and liabilities
Speeding involves disregarding traffic laws, which could leave a speeding driver liable for injuries from a car crash. A personal injury lawsuit might seek substantial sums from the negligent driver based on the losses inflicted on victims. Victims may seek punitive awards when the driver’s behavior is particularly reckless.
Lawsuits against negligent drivers could claim lost wages, medical bills, property damage and other expenses. Auto liability insurance may cover such losses, and negotiating a reasonable settlement would be part of the insurance claims process. If an insurance policy does not cover punitive damages, accident victims might file a lawsuit to seek such damages in court.