Friday, September 22, 2017

Why Drivers Speed and the Price of Speeding

(Click on the image for the complete Weiland Upton infographic)
The consequences of a speeding violation depend on the circumstances. But generally, speeding ticket carries a fine and adds “points” to the motorist’s driving record. Here’s an overview of the penalties for different types of violations:
Violation of the basic speeding law. $90 fine and one point + the following:
  • Exceeding a posted speed limit by 1 to 9 miles per hour. $80 fine and one point.
  • Exceeding a posted speed limit by 10 to 19 miles per hour. $90 fine and two points.
  • Exceeding a posted speed limit by 20 to 29 miles per hour. $160 fine and two points.
  • Exceeding a posted speed limit by 30 to 39 miles per hour. $290 fine and five points.
  • Exceeding a posted speed limit by at least 40 miles per hour. $530 fine and five points.
Generally, the fines and points are increased if a speeding violation contributed to a collision.
[A speed camera generated citation is $40 and no points]

The most important penalty is the loss of the lives of the victims of fatal crashes. For example, 5 to 6 lives were lost per year on Indian Head Highway on average over the last 10 years.