A committee within Michigan's House of Representatives approved a package recently that would allow for a change in speed limits in rural areas ABC 10 of the Upper Peninsula reported. This would raise the speed limit for cars on highways to 75 miles per hour and larger trucks to 60 miles per hour. Some in the House oppose this shift for a number of safety reasons, including many of the areas mentioned needing new asphalt, higher risk of accidents, and a swing in costs due to the higher number of potential auto accidents.
It appears that these fears are not unwarranted, especially considering the large amount of data that is available about automobile accidents. in 2012, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that of the 33,561 auto fatalities, 30 percent of those were speeding related. This statistic is even higher in earlier years. These numbers get even higher when alcohol is mixed in, reporting that in 2012 over 40% of speeding drivers had BAC levels of .08 or higher, compared to only 16% of drivers who were not speeding. This not only raises a safety issue for those who are speeding, but for the drivers around those few reckless drivers as well.
It is important to keep safety in mind whenever operating an automobile, not only for your own well being, but for the well being of those around you as well. Be sure to not exceed the posted speed limit, and to slow down in worse driving conditions such as snow, rain, and fog. If you encounter a driver who is driving recklessly or appears to be driving drunk, avoid the driver at all costs, and if they become a hazard to drivers call the police to report it.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.