The Florida Highway Patrol is teaming up with law enforcement officers in four other states in what is being called “Operation Southern Shield” to crack down on speeders.
There’s little doubt that recently reported data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the fatal consequences of speeding has something to do with the movement among several southern states to address the problem. Compared to other states, however, Florida’s problem with speeders is mild. Speeding is believed to contribute to only 6% of the total traffic fatalities in Florida. That is far beneath the national average of 22%.
However, fatalities aren’t the only problem caused by speeding. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, speeding caused over 10,590 vehicle crashes in Florida during 2018. While only 270 people ultimately died in those accidents, many others were maimed or suffered life-altering injuries.
The week-long anti-speeding campaign is now an annual tradition. This is the third year that police in Florida have teamed up with officers in Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia to promote awareness and issue tickets. Anybody caught exceeding the posted speed limits on a road will likely be ticketed.
It’s important to understand that “excessive” speed is sometimes a relative term. While going faster than the posted speed limit is always illegal, drivers can also be cited for exceeding a safe speed limit for the given weather conditions. For example, pouring rain should cause drivers to slow down to avoid losing their grip on the road — even if that means going below the posted limit.
If you were seriously injured in an accident with a speeding driver or a loved one was killed, you may have a variety of legal options available to you. Don’t take chances with your future. Find out more about your right to compensation.