Fort Worth , TX, 09/14/2015 /SubmitPressRelease123/
Drivers on several highways in North Texas are now permitted to go at faster speeds. Limits were adjusted amid heavy debate over the impact a change in speed limits will have on the safety of drivers. On multiple major highways in Tarrant County, speed limits have increased by ranges of five to ten miles per hour. The change on Interstate 20 in the county went from 60 to 70 mph. On portions of Loop 820 and 121, the change was from 60 to 65 miles per hour.
For drivers, such increases are often a welcome change. However, many transportation safety advocates acknowledge that traveling at higher speeds can lead to increased traffic dangers. Particularly with regards to accidents, the force of impact is stronger the faster one is going. Justin Swindell, a Fort Worth Police Freeway Enforcement Officer, is quoted as stating in a CBS news report of the issue “You have to just watch the speed limit and be careful… When we see an increase in speeds, the accidents seem to be a little bit more dangerous.”
Police in Fort Worth are reportedly taking steps to help reduce speeding and related crash fatalities as drivers adjust to the new limits.
Source: CBSDFW Report “FW Police Enforcing New Highway Speed Limits”
“In July, TxDOT finished updating signage on roads where the limit was adjusted earlier this year…In Tarrant County, I-20 increased from 60 to 70 miles per hour…Part of loop 820 and 121 went from 60 to 65 mph…North and South of central Fort Worth, I-35W increased from 65 to 70 mph.”
To read more visit http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/08/13/fw-police-enforcing-new-highway-speed-limits/.
Some Fort Worth law enforcement officials say that although there has not been a marked major increase in the number of drivers who violate the speed limit laws, the rates at which many drivers who are pulled over for speeding may tend to be more excessive.
Swindell further states, “The kind of reaction we get – [drivers say] they’re going along with the speed of traffic, but at the same time we do have increased speeds.”
In Fort Worth, the number of crashes that have ended in fatality this year is reportedly higher than the statistics show for last year. Transportation safety advocates are asking drivers to consider the new limits their maximum speed and stay within the legal limits.
Speeding and Accident injuries
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that speeding is one of the most common contributors to motor vehicle accidents in the U.S.
Source NHTSA “TRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS 2012 Data”
“Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes and
at a tremendous cost. NHTSA estimates that the annual economic cost to society
of speeding-related crashes is $40.4 billion. In 2012, speeding was a contributing
factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes, and 10,219 lives were lost in speeding-
related crashes. Speeding-related fatalities increased by 2 percent from 10,001 in
2011 to 10,219 in 2012.”
To read more visit http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812021.pdf.
According to Fort Worth personal injury attorney Amy Witherite of the Fort Worth Eberstein Witherite law firm, although police enforcement of the speed limits is one of the most effective means of reducing the number of violations, it is also helpful when victims of speed related crashes take steps to ensure that those liable are held financially responsible for damages they have caused. Says Witherite “injured accident victims can seek legal recourse through civil courts when drivers have caused them harm by speeding.”
Individuals who have questions about their legal options in these types of cases can consult with a personal injury attorney near them says Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer Amy Witherite
Time will tell whether the new speed limits on Fort Worth highways will have any impact on the number and severity of traffic accidents in the city.
Media Contact:
Lucy Tiseo
Eberstein Witherite LLP
Phone: 866-774-5410
http://fortworth.1800-car-wreck.com/
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