At least 27 percent of Louisiana traffic deaths in 2013 were related to speeding, a recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows. John LeBlanc, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, stated that while these numbers are down from past years, “we are still losing precious lives here and throughout the country, and speed is a major factor.”
Nationally, more than 9,600 people died in speeding-related crashes in 2013. Other factors in traffic fatalities included alcohol-impaired drivers and a lack of seat belt use.
Speeding can also be a hard hit to one’s wallet; while it varies from parish to parish, fines for a first-time offenders in Louisiana are around $100, and can increase depending on how far above the speed limit the driver was driving.
With summer storms coming to Louisiana, being a safe driver is more important than ever. Be sure to wear your seat belt and to never drive when drunk or sleepy. Be especially careful in bad weather: go slower, leave extra space between yourself and other cars, and use extra care when going around curves in the road. And, as always, keep your vehicle properly maintained.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, the lawyers at Lambert Zainey are here to help you explore your legal options. Contact us today.