Speed limits exist to ensure that drivers are traveling at speeds appropriate to the type of road they are traveling on. By adhering to posted speed limits, Louisiana drivers can significantly reduce the chance of car accidents. Across the country, however, highway speed limits have slowly been increasing over time, and so has the rate of car accidents.
Since the 1980s, speed limits have gradually increased. Over the last 25 years, almost 37,000 people have died in highway accidents, and experts believe this is in part due to faster speed limits. Most states have highway and interstate speed limits of 70 mph, but there are some that have limits at 80 or even 85.
Researchers have pointed out that even slight increases in speed, just five mph, can lead to an increase of 8% of fatal collisions on freeways and other roads where people tend to drive faster. Researchers also point out that driving faster does not necessarily mean that a person will arrive at his or her destination sooner. In many cases, it is simply not worth the risk to driver too fast, even if the speed limit permits it. Some industry experts suggest that states reconsider high speed limits.
Car accidents happen for many reasons, and speed is one of the leading causes for collisions on Louisiana roads. No matter the posted speed limit, a driver is responsible for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel. If a speeding driver causes an accident that results in serious or fatal injuries to another person, the victim typically has grounds to pursue recovery of monetary damages through a civil court claim.
