It may seem odd that a state known for lead-footed drivers would have concerns about speeding. Texas State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio has a posted speed limit of 85 mpg. That’s the highest speed limit in The Lone Star State and in the nation.
Another Texas highway, 183 South toll road in Austin, didn’t have a posted speed limit until April of 2022, which is now 70 mph.
Whatever the speed limit, speeding is one of the most common factors in traffic fatalities in Texas.
How Speed Limits Are Set
The Texas Department of Transportation uses the 85th percentile method, which uses the speed at which most drivers use, or below. The DOT conducts speed checks to determine the 85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic. Once that speed is determined, the speed limit is set using the 85th percentile, ending in either a 5 or a 0.
The speed may be lowered as much as 10 or 12 mph if the road is:
- In a rural residential or developed area
- Has curves and hills
- Multiple driveways
- History of crashes
- Hidden driveways or other developments
- A lack of striped and/or improved shoulders
Once the study is completed and the correct speed is set, DOT then sets out the familiar black-and-white signs along the roadway.
Why Speeding Is Dangerous
The Texas DOT reports that 2021 was the second deadliest year on our roads. More than 4,480 people were killed on Texas roads in 2021, second only to 1981. Speeding was responsible for the deaths of 1,522 drivers.
Speed limits determine the safest speed for traveling a particular stretch of road. Whether a two-lane neighborhood surface street or the six lanes on each side of Highway 69 at Chimney Rock Road, the DOT’s speed limit indicates the safest speed for traveling under normal road conditions.
Exceeding a speed limit is a common cause of Houston car accidents. Speeding greatly increases the risk of losing control of a vehicle and increases stopping time.
A speeding driver may not have enough reaction time for unexpected changes in weather and road conditions, other vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, or other sudden dangers. Drivers can spin out of control, skid, or completely lose control of the vehicle. Because there isn’t enough time to brake effectively, drivers react too quickly and can end up crashing into a building, barrier, or another driver.
The higher the speed, the more severe an accident. The consequences of a high-speed accident are high. A high-speed crash also results in much more damage to the vehicles involved and increases the chances of catastrophic injuries or death to the vehicles’ occupants.
Work With A Qualified Texas Personal Injury Attorney
After a car accident with a speeding driver, you’ll need help taking care of everything in addition to yourself. That’s where Paxton Law can help. We can work with you and help you through the process of filing your claim, and if necessary, a lawsuit. Our personal injury attorneys will fight for your settlement or award to cover all your expenses as well as future expenses. Texas law only allows two years from the date of the accident to file your claim, so schedule your free consultation as quickly as possible after your accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Paxton Law Firm today by calling (281) 978-2244 or filling out our online contact form. You’ll learn more about your legal options during your free consultation.
