Safe Communities recently released its crash data for the first six months of 2024. There have been nine fatalities to date, compared to six at this time last year.
“We see it every day–persons going too fast to get where they want to go as quickly as possible,” said Sandy Wiechman, coordinator.
Since January 2023, there have been 594 speed-involved crashes in Wood County, four of which involved a fatality. Most of the crashes happen on Friday, with Saturday and Sunday following close behind.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these points when it comes to speeding:
•Speeding is illegal, and it endangers you, loved ones, and everyone else on the road.
•While speeding may seem like the quicker option, speeding catches up with you.
•Speeding accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally.
•Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior. There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind this risky behavior.
•Speed limits are in place to protect everyone who uses our roads. When someone speeds, their ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve is reduced.
•Speed affects safety even when driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as bad weather, when a road is under repair or at night in an area that isn’t well lit.
Speeding is not just an interstate-related issue. Speeding happens–and is dangerous–on all roads.
•Even advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection cannot keep people safe from the dangers of speeding.
