Speeding: What’s Your Limit?

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Speeding

 Speed limits exist for a reason, and they affect more than just car accident statistics; they impact pedestrian injury statistics as well. The Illinois State Police report that out of all fatal crashes, approximately 32 percent of those are speed related. They also report that most speed-related crashes actually involve only one vehicle, meaning even one driver has the potential power to cause a crash. Something as simple as the number on that dashboard dial makes a difference when it comes to crash and pedestrian injury incidents.

How Fast Is Too Fast?

So, how fast is too fast? What should your limit be? Do not fall into the habit of basing your speed on how fast you see others drive on the highway. Here are the standards in Illinois:

• 65 miles per hour maximum on rural interstates;
• 55 miles per hour on interstate highways (and most other highways);
• 55 miles per hour near or in major cities; and
• 30 miles per hour in urban areas.

There is some variation among speed limits in certain urban areas, but in most cases, you can expect to see nothing greater than 30 miles per hour.

How to Keep Your Speed in Check

Illinois State Police use a number of devices to determine a vehicle’s speed alongside photo speed enforcement and air speed measurement, so you can be flagged for speeding at any given time on the highway. You can decrease your chances of being a speed-related crash statistic by following a few simple rules and being proactive with your driving practices. Here are a few ways to keep your speed in check:

• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Reduce speed any time road conditions are altered due to weather changes;
• Reduce speed when approaching intersections, curves, or narrow or winding roadways; and
• Stay within the speed limit while driving at the same pace as other traffic. If the other vehicles are speeding, move to and remain in the right lane.

It is easy to fall into the pattern of speeding, but staying alert to the limits and laws while out on the roadways can save a life — maybe even your own. If you have been injured in a speed-related collision caused by another driver, an experienced Lake County car accident attorney can help you. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-662-3303 to schedule a free consultation today.

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