Every car accident has the potential to be dangerous, and even minor collisions can result in property damage and bodily harm. However, because of a number of factors, very few accidents result in injuries as serious as those seen in DUI accidents. Drunk driving, by definition, involves reckless drivers.
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When a person gets behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it may seem that they have no regard for other motorists. In some cases, these negligent drivers are aware that they should not drive, but they do so anyway. Instead of calling an Uber or taxi, they may endanger their own lives as well as the lives of others.
People who are involved in these types of accidents frequently sustain serious injuries, and some drunk driving accidents are fatal. In many cases, the innocent victim is usually the one who pays the ultimate price.
Following the speed limit is essential
In general, roads that have fewer intersections can sustain higher speed limits. However, roads that have more intersections and traffic signals usually require lower speed limits. When an individual is driving at a high speed, they are more likely to lose control over their vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident and related injuries. It is critical to follow the rules of the road to help prevent accidents from occurring. An accident caused by excessive speed can cause the same amount of destruction as a drunk driving accident.
Speeding can lead to dangerous accidents, and here are some of the reasons why:
- Excessive speed may cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle.
- Exceeding the legal speed limit may reduce the effectiveness of some of a vehicle’s protection features.
- High rates of speed can reduce a driver’s reaction time if they encounter a hazard on the road.
- Auto accidents that are caused by speeding are more likely to cause severe injuries and damages than crashes that occur when cars are moving slowly.
Reducing the speed limit can prevent additional risks.
Even crashes that occur at lower speeds can lead to serious accidents, but speeding may increase the risk of severe injuries.
When a person drives on a poorly maintained or unpaved road at high speeds, they may be putting their life at risk. Uneven roadways may cause the driver to lose out on ample time to control their vehicle, leading to an accident. This is why it is necessary to maintain safe speeds. It is essential to adjust your speed according to the area and situation around you. When there are more vehicles on the road, significantly lowering your speed may reduce the risk of an accident.
What are the speed limits in Pennsylvania?
It is unlawful to drive over the posted speed limits, and doing so can lead to monetary penalties. Here, we have outlined the speed limits that you should follow if you are driving on the roads of Pennsylvania.
- The maximum speed limit in Pennsylvania is 70.
- The maximum speed limit on an interstate highway is subject to change, and it is posted after each exchange.
- On other highways, the speed is generally posted at half-mile intervals.
- If you are driving in a school zone, you will further have to decrease your speed. The school zone speed limit is 15 mph.
- If any street or expressway does not have a posted speed limit, you should follow the general rules. The speed limit for residential roads is 25 mph.
- For non-residential roads, the speed limit is generally 35 mph. On expressways, you may be allowed to drive at 55 mph.
If you are pulled over for exceeding the speed limit in a work zone, it might even lead to the suspension of your license. In addition, violating the speeding laws may increase the risk of fatal injuries and wrongful death in an accident. Therefore, you should follow the speed limits for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Drivers who are caught exceeding the speed limit often face fines. If you drive negligently, this can lead to legal complications for you.
Drive safely.
If you are a new driver, you should consider taking a defensive driving course. These courses can help you strengthen your driving skills and teach you about how to handle your vehicle in emergencies. Here are some of the safety tips that you should follow:
- Get familiar with your vehicle: Every car has different technologies and features. Know your vehicle before you get behind the wheel to drive.
- Wear a seatbelt: Driving a car without a seat belt is considered a secondary offense in Philadelphia.
- Stay within the posted speed limits: You should modify your vehicle speed based on the circumstances in the area. For instance, you should slow down in school zones and work areas. On highways, you should drive carefully and maintain safe speeds.
- Avoid distractions: You should focus on driving and try to limit the number of distractions in your vehicle. Avoid using your mobile phone or speaking with others. Focus on the road while driving; everything else can wait.
Following the rules and laws may help you reduce the risk of severe damages in an accident. However, there are situations in which another person’s mistakes can cause you grievous harm. If you are injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can reach out to an accident lawyer to learn about your legal options.