The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

For example, it says, speeding is a factor in about one-third of all fatal crashes. Therefore, policy emphasis should be on reducing speed limits and increasing enforcement with roadside cameras to catch violators. In its alarmist report on speed limits, it notes that since control of speed limits was passed back to the states in 1995, speed limits have risen on rural and urban highways. However, its own data notes that speed limits are only roughly correlated with actual average speeds, as shown in the following graph comparing the speed limit with actual speeds traveled in or around seven or eight metropolitan areas:

The IIHS also took aim at the NHTSA's campaign against distracted driving. It cited data that laws against cell phone use while driving reduce cell phone use, but not accidents. While cell phone laws enacted by many states may be ineffective, the NHTSA's campaign, it should be noted, focuses on all forms of distracted driving, not just cell phones or texting.

Finally, the main point that the IIHS neglects in its report is to note that, despite rising speed limits, cell phones, and other factors, the number of auto accident deaths in this country has dropped to its lowest level since recordkeeping began in the 1950s. This is due in part to the IIHS. But we should also not neglect the tireless efforts of the NHTSA in getting people to use seatbelts and avoid cell phone use, as well as the efforts of personal injury lawyers in highlighting defective roadways, vehicles, and equipment that lead to needless deaths.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, the lawyer of The Cochran Firm stand ready to help highlight the cause of the accident, and, if possible, save other families from suffering a similar tragedy. Please call or email us today for a free initial case evaluation.