Empty Streets Lead to 87% Spike in Speeding Citations
According to the California Highway Patrol, officers have reported an 87 percent uptick in citations for speeding in excess of 100 mph. Law enforcement attributes the increase in reckless driving as a direct result of California’s stay-at-home orders, which have been in effect to varying degrees for the past six months.
More speeding drivers, higher risk of serious accidents
Compared to this time last year, officials say the traffic volume is down at least 35 percent, and these wide open roads have proven too tempting for dozens of speeding motorists.
The California Highway Patrol issued 2,493 tickets for excess speed in the months after shelter-in-place orders were issued this March. To put this figure into perspective, CHP issued only 1,335 tickets for speeding over 100 mph last year during this same period.
The number of citations for ‘excessive speed’ has been alarming given the dire consequences of an accident. Motorists who drive at speeds of more than 70 mph are at a much higher risk of suffering severe, life-threatening injuries should a crash occur, and the chance of fatalities is also higher.
The 700+ electronic highway signs in California have been programmed to display safety reminders such as “If you must travel do not speed.” Authorities remain hopeful that California motorists will heed these precautions and follow posted speed limits, as dangerously high speeds jeopardize the lives of road construction workers and maintenance crews, as well as other drivers.
What to do after an auto accident
If you have been hurt in a motor vehicle accident through no fault of your own, you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries. Don’t expect insurance claims adjusters to treat you fairly, because their number one goal is to keep claim payouts as small as possible. Hiring a trusted Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure you obtain the money damages deserved for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
When another motorist causes a wreck, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911
- Seek medical attention
- Get a copy of the police report
- Get photos of the accident scene and damage to both vehicles
- Inform your insurance provider
- Do not discuss your injuries with anyone except your doctors and legal counsel
- Refrain from posting on social media during the accident investigations
- Keep all medical records and follow treatment protocols
- Do not allow insurance adjusters to record or take down a statement
Powerful legal advocacy after a car accident
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s reckless behavior behind the wheel. Whether another motorist was speeding, texting, or just being negligent, Ellis Injury Law offers the experience and resources you need to get compensated.
Our team of highly-skilled attorneys will conduct independent investigations and fight for maximum damages. Andy Ellis and his associates have secured more than $350 million for clients, and we are eager to put our knowledge and dedication to work for you. Call our Los Angeles office to request a free case evaluation with our team. There is no cost to you, and we never collect a penny unless we win money damages on your behalf.
Additional Resources:
- LA Times, Tickets for speeding in excess of 100 mph surge 87% amid coronavirus shutdown, CHP says https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-22/tickets-for-drivers-speeding-more-than-100-mph-surges-87-amid-california-shutdown-chp-says