Speeding poses a significant and life-threatening risk to all road users. In 2021, 12,330 people died from car accidents caused by speeding. That accounts for 29% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.
San Antonio is also facing a problem with speed. As we wrote about in September, speeding-related crash fatalities in San Antonio increased in 2022. Unfortunately, the problem persists in 2023.
Local crash results in injuries
In one recent incident, a 94-year-old woman from South Side San Antonio had an incredible stroke of luck after a speeding driver nearly missed crashing into her home. The terrifying incident occurred on the 200 block of Creath Place.
"It sounded like a bomb," said the home occupant, per KSAT.com. "I thought something had exploded in my house."
A 15-year-old was driving the car, traveling at dangerous speeds and running through stop signs. The driver crashed into another car and a pole.
Finally, the driver ended up in the resident's front yard. The four passengers in the car the driver had collided with were transported to the hospital for medical attention. The teenage driver, operating without a license, received a ticket for his reckless actions.
Reaction from local officials on speeding
The Public Works Department in San Antonio said the last traffic study in the area was in 2013, and it didn't show a need for traffic calming measures.
According to the report by KSAT.com, District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran is conducting a new traffic study to investigate the increased traffic in the area.
Her office is examining the streets around the affected area to assess any potential growth factors that may be contributing to the higher volume of vehicles passing through these streets, which increases the likelihood of accidents.
Consequences of speeding
Driving too fast comes with many risks besides just getting a ticket. These dangers affect all drivers, pedestrians, and everyone on the road, not just speeders. Here are some of the significant dangers associated with speeding:
- Speeding makes it harder to react quickly to sudden stops or obstacles. This increases the chance of a serious crash.
- It's difficult to control a vehicle at high speeds, especially in bad weather or on slippery roads. Speeding can result in loss of control.
- Car accidents at high speeds cause more severe injuries and deaths.
- The higher the speed, the longer it takes to stop a vehicle because it needs more distance.
- Safety features such as airbags and seat belts are not as effective in crashes at high speeds.
- Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists face higher risk when hit by speeding vehicles.
Contact The Herrera Law Firm if you've been injured
While we applaud any measures to make San Antonio's roads safer, reckless and negligent drivers must still be held accountable when their actions harm others.
Our San Antonio car accident lawyers at The Herrera Law Firm are dedicated to protecting the rights of crash victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses.
If you were injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, it's important to know your potential legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
