Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation – published findings from its National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior. For those who traverse public roads and highways, the results may certainly be alarming. Nearly half of motorists surveyed believed that speeding is a serious problem on public roadways; one in five admitted that they themselves are guilty of frequent speeding a well.

According to national crash data, speeding is a leading cause of preventable auto accidents – including car accidents and truck accidents. Nationwide, speeding-related fatalities account for close to a third of all traffic deaths, claiming close to 10,000 lives each year.

The National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior provides researchers and safety officials with valuable information other than crash statistics. This provides a more complete picture of the causes of auto accidents, as well as a foundation for developing strategies to prevent these tragedies. For example, the survey revealed the following:

• 1 in 5 motorists admit to going as fast as possible to get where they are going
• Roughly 4 in 5 believed driving at or near the speed limit reduces risks of accidents
• 91 percent of drivers supported obeying the speed limit
• Nearly half of drivers said it was important for something to be done to reduce speeding on public roadways

Despite these beliefs, speeding remains a widespread problem. A large part of this, many experts have suggested, may have something to do with the desensitizing of Americans who drive motor vehicles. As large, heavy, and fast machines, automobiles can be considered dangerous weapons. Because motorists are so accustomed to the daily grind of commuting and driving, however, they may tend to minimize the risks of speeding and driving in itself. NHTSA uses findings from the survey to develop safety campaigns.

At The Daspit Law Firm, our legal team is passionate about protecting the rights and well-being of victims injured by negligent parties, including speeding drivers. If you or your loved one has recently been injured in an auto accident in or around Houston, allow a Houston personal injury attorney from our firm to review your case.

Call (888) 273-1045 for a FREE consultation.