Montana has seen an increase in the number of fatal motor vehicle accidents in recent years, and speeding is one of the leading causes. Montana is known for its long, vast stretches of roads and highways, which may tempt many motorists to drive faster than usual.
According to statistics from the American Automobile Association, traffic fatalities in Montana increased by 26% in 2020, with speed being a factor in many of these accidents.
Additional causes of the increase in accidentss
Other factors cited as causes for the increase included more people moving into the state and a fewer number of police officers on the roads monitoring traffic.
Speeding contributes to serious crashes more than you may realize. When you speed, it is harder to make a sudden stop, increasing the risk of a collision.
If an accident does occur, there is a higher likelihood any resulting injuries will be serious or even fatal. Speeding drivers also cause other drivers on the road to be anxious or drive erratically, trying to avoid the speeding driver, if they are weaving in and out of traffic.
Why people speed
There are many reasons why drivers speed, and most of them are likely obvious. People are usually in a hurry to get wherever they are going, or they may be running late for something.
Drivers who are drunk or impaired may be unaware of their speed, and younger drivers may speed due to inexperience.
Reduce your risk of an accident
The best thing you can do when you are behind the wheel is to drive slowly. Always follow any posted speed limits. Remember that in bad weather conditions, you should drive slower, since driving the speed limit could be considered dangerous.
An accident caused by a speeding driver can leave you seriously injured, out of work and in a great deal of physical and mental anguish. It can help to speak with a personal injury attorney about how you can receive compensation for these losses.