Speeding is one of the most common contributing factors to major Iowa collisions. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive faster than is safe given road conditions put everyone at risk of potentially devastating crashes.
For many drivers, the threat of a traffic citation is not an adequate deterrent to the impulse to exceed the speed limit. State lawmakers have recently proposed two statutes that could change the consequences for speeding in certain cases and might potentially help reduce the risk of devastating crashes.
What are the proposed legal changes?
There are two bills currently working their way through the legislature that might significantly alter current speeding statutes, as well as a bill proposing an expansion of the state’s seatbelt requirements.
One proposed new law, House File 2023, could decrease the speed limit in school zones. If it passes as written, the speed limit in school zones drops from 25 miles per hour (mph) to 20 mph.
That reduction could lead to fewer pedestrian collisions and reduce the severity of injuries, as well as the likelihood of fatalities, if pedestrian crashes occur. The bill also increases the fines for exceeding the posted speed limit from $135 plus five dollars for each mph beyond 20 mph over the limit to $285 and $5 for each mph beyond 20 mph over the limit.
Another proposed bill in the Senate, Senate File 2288, allows for the immediate revocation of the driver’s license of a motorist caught traveling at speeds of 100 mph or more. This change could motivate more people to avoid excessive speeding and keep those who don’t drive safely off the road.
In general, motorists must comply with the posted speed limit or mimic the current flow of traffic. They should err on the side of caution when choosing their speed, especially in school zones or residential areas.
For those involved in speeding-related collisions, including pedestrian crashes, securing compensation for injuries and property damage losses may be a top priority. Reviewing citations issued to the driver at fault and the consequences of a speed-related crash with a skilled legal team can help injured people hold unsafe drivers accountable for violating traffic ordinances and causing collisions.