Benjamin Franklin correctly stated, “Haste makes waste.”
In this fast-paced world, people are always running behind on things. Many people involved in car accidents are unaware of speeding laws and their penalties. Residents in California are costed heavily due to their impatience of getting to places.
If you’re a driver on the roads of California, you should know these facts and information.
A Leading Cause Of Accidents
The incidence of severe and fatal car accidents in California is rising despite the city’s considerable efforts to reduce the deadly accidents on its roads.
Speeding is the second leading cause of car accidents, followed by drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding accounts for 31% of all car accident fatalities in the United States annually. Going at excessive speeds frequently results in high-impact incidents, resulting in severe injuries and deaths.
The severity of injuries in car accidents is connected to the vehicle’s speed. Being in a rush, not paying attention to the vehicle’s speed, and neglecting or disobeying traffic laws are prevalent causes of speeding.
Speed Limit Laws
The four major speed limit laws include:
A) Basic speed law
According to California’s Basic Speed Law, vehicles must not exceed a safe speed based on road and weather circumstances. Exceeding the speed limit may be regarded as excessive concerning your surroundings.
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Significant variables to consider while driving include:
Traffic Flow in General: Is everyone driving at the speed limit, or are other drivers slowing down due to rush hour or a nearby accident?
Weather: Is it raining or snowing outside, and do you need to slow down for your safety? Is it sunny with perfect visibility?
Number of vehicles on the road: Is there a lot of traffic around you? Is the 65-mph speed limit excessive in comparison to traffic?
Pedestrians: Are there any pedestrians or bicyclists in the area of your lane? Can you change lanes to offer them more space while prioritizing safety?
Road’s surface: Are you driving on flat or sloping hills and mountains? Are there any speed bumps in the area?
Animal Symbolism: Are there any animal warning signs in the area? Should you exercise extra caution?
Accidents or cars pulled over in the area: Are you driving on a two-lane road? Is it possible for you to merge into the opposite lane?
Local governments set speed restrictions based on engineering and traffic surveys. Such surveys must involve an examination of road conditions, collision reports, and a sampling of traffic speeds.
B) Prima facie speed law
The Prima facie speed law establishes maximum speed restrictions in regions where speed limit signs are not present but should be known and followed.
If you violate this speed limit, you may face a citation. For example, if you are driving 30 mph on a roadway in a neighborhood with no written speed limits, you are violating Prima Facie.
The Prima facie pace law intends to ensure that everyone drives at a safe speed based on their surroundings, even if there are no posted signs. The Prima facie speed limit in school zones, residential neighborhoods, and business districts is 25 mph. If there are marked signs indicating otherwise, heed them. Some school zones, for example, may limit the speed to 15 mph.
For alleys and railroad crossings, the prima facie speed is 15 mph. This is critical if you cannot observe incoming traffic or trains in both directions for 400 feet on each side to avoid harm and keep you safe.
C) Maximum speed law
The Maximum speed law is possibly California’s most well-known speed law.
This legislation states that you may not exceed the posted speed limit when attempting to pass slow drivers. You may not exceed the speed limit or go with the flow because doing so puts others in danger.
A prevalent misconception about this rule is that authorities utilize speed traps to monitor drivers’ speeds. A speed trap is a practice in which the duration between each checkpoint is calculated, and the driver’s speed is determined. If you were to speed in between the two, you would receive a ticket. However, California prohibits the use of speed traps.
D) Minimum speed law
Contrary to popular belief, receiving a ticket for driving too slowly is possible.
California’s minimum speed law forbids vehicles from driving too slowly, disrupting traffic flow, and endangering other cars. Though it is uncommon, some minimum speed limits are posted around the state.
Regarding the basic speed law, reducing your speed when driving is permissible. It is only considerable reductions that pose a risk.
Will Lower Speed Limits Help In Reducing Speeding?
Although many people feel that merely decreasing the speed limit is a simple solution to reduce speeding, this is not always the case.
Even with fewer speed restrictions, people continue to drive at speeds they believe are fair and safe. When this occurs, the road may become risky because some people adhere to the legal speed limit while others drive at whatever pace they believe is best.
Consequences Of Violating Speed Limit Laws
If you violate one of California’s four major speed restrictions, you could face a few hundred dollars in penalties. Furthermore, if you were driving at a criminal speed (20 or more miles per hour over the speed limit), you could lose your license or face jail time if this happens again.
Ensure you adhere to these speed limit laws and do your part as a responsible driver!