Three of the biggest roadway safety organizations have partnered to fund projects in two states. Why? Because across the country, incidents of speeding have increased dramatically during COVID-19 lockdowns. Read on to learn more about the programs they are piloting, and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in a car accident and require a free legal consultation.
The Specifics of the Partnership
The three safety organizations that will be working together are the Governors Highway Association (GHSA), the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF). They will get together to fund and evaluate projects in two states to start; Maryland and Virginia are each set to receive $100,000 in the program.
With that money, they will be tasked with developing, implementing, and evaluating speed management programs that use equitable enforcement, education, engineering, public outreach, and other strategies. The Maryland project will occur rurally, while the Virginia project will take place in an urban space.
The Projects Can Not Get Started Right Away
Because COVID-19 is still affecting traffic patterns, the project cannot get started right away. Instead, it will begin once the IIHS reports that traffic patterns have stabilized relatively. The purpose of the tests is to find a template to reduce the speed that can be used in all states and areas of the country. This makes sense since speed is the cause of more than half of all fatal car accidents.
How Serious is Speeding?
Many people assume that everyone speeds and think that it is not a huge deal. The truth is that speeding is actually a leading cause of fatal accidents. The latest statistics show that more than 9,000 people lose their lives each year due to crashes that involved speeding. Less traffic on the roads during the pandemic has led some to drive at high speeds both on highways and city streets.
This is not just an issue that affects drivers. One report found that pedestrians are at a very high risk of being killed compared to previous years. In fact, preliminary data from 2019 shows more pedestrian deaths than at any time in the last 30 years. This is partially blamed on excessive speeding. Others on the roads face higher risks, too, including bicyclists and e-scooter riders.
Call now to Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident or have lost a loved one in a car accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We can carefully assess your case to find the best way forward. Call now, and let us get to work right away.
