When California drivers start to ignore the speed limit, their cars become deadly weapons. Many crash victims can survive a collision at normal speeds. It’s the vehicles that are going 10mph or more over the limit that cause the most damage and take the greatest toll on lives.
Speed reduces the time motorists have to react to a mistake leading to more accidents. Speed also increases the power of a collision and the chances for deadly force.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported From 2010 to 2020 there were 11,514 speeding-related fatalities in California. California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) found that there were 887 fatalities attributed to speed in 2023 on California freeways and boulevards. That was down from 1,114 tragic deaths the year before.
California’s Speeding Laws
According to an OTS study, police officers consider three factors when gauging speed.
- If the driver is racing
- If the driver is traveling too fast for conditions (traffic, weather)
- If the driver is going beyond the speed limit
Speeding is a judgment call on the part of Law Enforcement Officers, like those with the California Highway Patrol. You can receive a speeding ticket even if you are going under the speed limit.
The speeding laws in California law books go into more detail:
California Vehicle Code 22350.
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
Many people don’t know that semi-truck drivers have to follow a different speed limit in some situations. Large trucks must never exceed 55 mph no matter what roads they use. They must also try to stay in the right lanes when possible.
For more information, you can visit our blog running down the other top ten causes of California car accidents.
Punishment for Speeding in California
California speed limit violators will be punished based on how far they push it over the limit.
- 1 to 15mph over the limit will cost you $35.
- 16-25 mph over the limit will cost you $70
- 26 mph and up will cost $100
But offenders need to beware. These costs don’t include court fees which can raise the penalty by hundreds of dollars. A speeding ticket received in a construction zone will have an additional penalty.
Speeding isn’t a felony by itself, but an accident involving speeding can result in felony reckless driving charges. This can lead to massive fines and jail time.
Worst Cities for California Speeding Accidents
The worst cities for speeding accidents won’t surprise anyone. The largest cities with fast-moving freeways and the most careless drivers see the most speed limit violations and document the most frightening accidents.
TIMS found that Los Angeles recorded on average of 121 fatalities in speed-related accidents over the past ten years. San Diego was second on the list with around 25 speeding-related deaths a year.
Fresno was third with 19.4 speed-related fatalities annually. San Jose was just below Fresno with 19.2 deadly accidents on average. San Bernadino rounded out the heartbreaking top 5 with around 17 deaths recorded a year.
Make Sure You Hold a Careless Driver Responsible for Your Accident
If you are struck by a speeding driver and suffer car damage or injuries, you are empowered to seek full compensation for repair bills and medical bills.
If you are seriously hurt and another driver is to blame, a California car accident lawyer can provide valuable protection. Insurance companies will look to blame you for the accident so they can get away with offering you nothing to help with recovery.
Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold insurance companies fully responsible.
