Quiz!
Which two these two are the main causes of traffic accidents in the state of Wisconsin?
- 5 O’ clock traffic
- Construction
- Drunk Driving
Answer: None of the above
The truth is, with more technology at our disposal, and a rushed mentality on the road, the leading causes of tickets and accidents are distracted driving and speeding. It is important to avoid both at all cost, to help you do so we have provided facts, consequences and solutions to eliminate these types of accidents.
Speeding Facts
- The state of Wisconsin had 142,000 in speeding convictions in 2014.
- Ages 16-35 have the highest rating of speeding accidents
- Ages 16-35 caused approximately 33 percent of all Wisconsin traffic fatalities in 2014.
Not only is speeding really dangerous for you and others around you, it is also very costly if you get caught. In the state of Wisconsin the fines can be anywhere from $200-$800, depending on the violation and another $100 in court fees are added. Not to mention you can also have points added to your license, depending on how far over the speed limit you were going.
- 1-10 mph (over the limit) = 3 points
- 11-19 mph = 4 points
- 20 + mph = 6 points
With the increased risk of accidents, and real potential for steep fines, is the thought of getting to where you’re going, a few minutes faster, really worth it? Speeding is easy to prevent! Simply reduce your speed to the speed limit, which will improve your ability to maintain control of your vehicle, and protect yourself and those around you!
Cell Phone Use/Distracted Driving Facts
- There was an 8.2 percent increase in crashes involving distracted drivers between 2014 and 2015.
- 16 percent of all Wisconsin traffic deaths in 2015 were related to distracted driving, up from 14 percent in 2014.
- Crashes in 2014: 22,194 2015: 24,016
Consequences of distracted driving can be extremely severe and may even include prison time if someone is seriously injured. The cost of distracted driving can be just as harsh as the consequences, keep in mind what you have to pay aside from the ticket and insurance:
- the cost of repairing your car (or the value of the car if it was totaled)
- the cost to repair or replace any other personal property that was damaged in the accident
- the cost of a rental car.
- the cost of towing and storage, and
- the amount that your car’s value was diminished as a result of your accident.
Luckily there are ways to avoid all the hassle and cost. First and foremost, it can wait! Set text and voicemails to automatically let others know you are driving and will get back to them when you can and then put your phone somewhere out of range where you will be less tempted to reach for it. If you must use your cell phone, Bluetooth technology is an option. It allows you to operate your phone hands free which can be a better solution than physically operating your phone, but can still cause a distraction – so we recommend that you ideally hold off on conversations until you are safely in park.
The Law Office of Schmidlkofer, Toth, Loeb & Drosen, LLC would like to remind you to use caution and common sense while driving to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you have recently received a traffic violation and need to contact one of our experienced attorneys in Wauwatosa, WI, visit www.lawintosa.com or call (414) 259-9300.