In 2020, 29% of 808 fatal collisions in Indiana involved dangerous driving, a category that includes speeding. 72% of all dangerous driving collisions included speeding as at least one factor, and speeding was involved in 9% of all collisions regardless of the ultimate cause. While speeding instances have decreased from 2016 to 2020, they remain a significant cause for loss of life while driving—and the cause is almost entirely controllable. And preliminary data unfortunately shows that traffic fatalities in Indiana are up year over year.
According to recent reports, a young woman has died at the scene of a 6-car crash in Indiana. A Cadillac SUV was speeding when it rear-ended the GMC SUV driven by the woman, who was stopped at a red light. The GMC was pushed into the rear of a third vehicle and all three cars were shoved through the intersection. Three other cars were involved in secondary crashes stemming from the accident. The woman has been identified as a local middle school teacher and is mourned by her students and fellow faculty, as well as her husband of just four months.
Two others were taken to the hospital with injuries from the accident, and many others involved in the crash suffered pain but did not go to the hospital. One person sustained a minor head injury and is expected to recover. The second person taken to the hospital was trapped in their vehicle unconscious and was taken to the hospital via helicopter for severe head and internal injuries. An investigation is ongoing.
Why Do Drivers Speed?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, several factors contribute to a rise in aggressive driving and speeding. Two factors—traffic congestion and running late—can happen to any of us at any time. These contribute to frequent lane changes, anger at other drivers, and speeding to beat out other cars and the clock.
Some drivers speed because of anonymity: drivers in the car are shielded from observers and can feel detached from the driving process, which can lead to uninhibited behavior. This can contribute to speeding or other aggressive driving techniques that lead to crashes.
For a small number of people, disregard for others and the law contributes to aggressive driving as a normal driving behavior, rather than a response to a frustrating situation or a time crunch. When dealing with someone behaving in an outrageous manner, allowing them to pass or even pulling over can keep you out of harm’s way.
Indiana Personal Injury Attorney
Unfortunately, some instances of speeding can lead to injury or even death. While no damages award can completely make a person who is injured or has lost a loved one whole, financial strain should not be another consequence of an aggressive driver’s poor behavior. Attorney Burton A. Padove has nearly four decades of experience in personal injury law and can help you evaluate your case. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 219-836-2200.