It's common for drivers to exceed the posted speed limit in Connecticut, especially on roads not separated by median strips. As a result, these are the types of roads where head-on collisions occur the most.
While these accidents are typically rare, they can result in the most severe and life-threatening injuries to all parties involved.
Speed is a deadly factor in head-on collisions
Researchers at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia have been studying the effects of varying speeds in head-on collisions. They have found that the most dangerous roads are highways in which cars in both directions are traveling more than 43 mph without any guardrail or separation between the lanes.
In a head-on collision, if both cars are going 43 mph or less, there is an almost 100 percent chance of all parties involved surviving. After 43 mph, the greater the speed, the greater the risk of a fatality. If both vehicles are traveling at 70 mph at the time of the collision, the risk of fatal injury is 4 times greater than for cars traveling at 43 mph.
If this is the case, then why are there any roads with posted speed limits higher than 43 mph? Because in our society, we value speed over safety. We want to get to work as quickly as possible, not as safely as possible. And the results speak for themselves.
The science cannot be disputed. Slowing down is the only way to prevent a fatal accident. It may seem inconvenient to adjust your morning routine and allow for extra travel time on the way to work, but that inconvenience pales in comparison to a life-altering and all-too-often fatal accident.
Besides speeding, head-on collisions can occur for the following reasons:
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Slippery road conditions
- Poor visibility
- Brake failure, loose wheels, tire blowouts, steering malfunction
- Negligent passing on single-lane roads
We fight for you
If you were injured in an accident, contact a top-rated Connecticut car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli today. Our dedicated legal team has recovered millions of dollars for injured people throughout our state and we can fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve too.
We know that after an accident, you should be focused on getting better. We can deal with everything else. When the worst happens, give your case an edge. Contact us today.