2023
Slow Down: the Human Cost of Speeding
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /Every January, the US marks “55mph Speed Limit Day” to remember former US president Nixon’s 55mph speed limit between 1974 and 1995. The law was set to improve driving efficiency following the oil embargo on the US, and many people remember when the speed limit went from 55 to 65.
Now, although most roads allow higher speed limits today, we still think that #55mphSpeedLimitDay is a good opportunity to watch our speed as we go about our busy lives.
The consequences of speeding
If you’re going too fast and you see the blue flashing lights, you know you’re in trouble. Speeding – whether intentional or not- has devastating consequences, and there’s never a good reason to speed.
So, before you press the pedal to the metal, think about what could happen if you don’t observe the speed limit:
- You could seriously hurt or kill somebody. The “kill your speed” campaign reminds us that the chances of a pedestrian or cyclist being seriously injured or killed if struck by a car is 45% at 30mph.
- You could seriously injure yourself.
- Speeding in the state of Florida comes with a fine that’s dependent on how fast you were going. Even traveling a few miles over the limit will land you a fine of $144, and that climbs to $1,000 for a first offense of 50 miles per hour or more over the limit.
- The amount of points added to your license depends on how fast you were traveling and whether you were in an accident. It’s usually 3 penalty points on your record if you were going 15 or fewer miles per hour over the speed limit. If you were going more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, you’re likely looking at 4 penalty points on your license. If this speeding resulted in an accident, you may get 6 points. Texting while in an accident will result in 3 points added to the primary offense.
Remember, 12 points in 12 months can mean that your license may be revoked.
- You may need to attend a driver improvement course (either a 4-hour basic course or an 8-hour defensive driving course)
- Speeding violations will affect your car insurance
- You could total your car.
- High-speed speeding (going 50 miles per hour or more above the speed limit) is another category and you could be charged with reckless driving and repeat offenses can lead to felony charges.
Arrive alive
As we start this new year with the best of intentions, we ask ourselves: what’s the rush? Nothing is worth risking yourself and others just to get to your destination a few minutes faster. Let’s just get there safely.
There’s never been a better time to commit to lowering our speed. Encourage your friends and family to slow down, too, and talk about road safety.
Driving change in the Florida justice system
We have worked with many clients over the years who have been the victim of a driver who was speeding, or who have lost someone they cherished because a driver didn’t slow down. Because of this life-changing event, they struggle to move on, devastated by physical and emotional pain, loss of income, and huge medical bills.
Anyone who suffered a personal injury or loss due to a speeding, drunk, or distracted driver will tell you that it shattered their life. They will also tell you that this was the one time in their lives when they needed a confident, compassionate legal expert fighting for them.
Jenkins Law P.L has helped speeding injury victims to rebuild, by claiming the compensation that they deserve. We can help you too.
