In recent years, there’s been a rise in excessive speeding on Florida roads. Law enforcement officers have been stopping people they’ve clocked at over 100 miles per hour (mph). In fact, last year, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office cited over 500 drivers for going that fast.
The faster a vehicle is going, the longer it takes for the driver to bring it to a stop if they have to. Further, the faster a vehicle is traveling when it crashes, the more serious the injuries will likely be. According to the Florida Safety Council, the risk of fatal injuries doubles with every additional 10 mph of speed.
Another reason why those who reach excessive speeds are so dangerous is that there’s often no time for other drivers, pedestrians or others on or near the road to get out of their way. Sometimes, they don’t even see them coming.
A new law took effect this summer
In an effort to stop the problem of excessive speeding, Florida lawmakers passed the “Super Speeder Law,” which took effect this summer. With the new law, anyone caught driving more than 50 mph over the posted speed limit and/or over 100 mph can face a $500 fine and/or a month in jail. The consequences increase with repeated citations. Drivers can also lose their licenses.
If you or a loved one has been injured or worse by an excessive speeder, you’re likely looking at large medical bills and other expenses. In addition to facing criminal penalties, excessive speeders who cause collisions and/or their insurers are responsible for compensating victims and surviving loved ones.
Dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic collision can be overwhelming. By getting experienced legal guidance as early as possible, you can help ensure that you get fair compensation for expenses and other damages.