When sharing the roads with others, it is important to drive safely. Even the smallest motor vehicles weigh several thousand pounds, and they can inflict a great deal of damage when they collide with other vehicles. In many cases, car accidents occur because drivers fail to follow the rules of the road. Traffic laws are in place for a reason, and they are meant to ensure that everyone can share the roads safely. When drivers commit traffic violations, they are not just breaking the rules and risking a ticket, but they are putting people in danger of being seriously injured. Negligent drivers who commit violations that lead to collisions may be held responsible for the injuries and damages they cause to others.
Top Traffic Violations That Cause Collisions in Wisconsin
According to the statistics released by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the following types of violations were among the most common reasons traffic tickets were issued in 2020 (statistics for 2021 have not yet been released):
- Speeding – Intermediate speeding between 11 and 19 miles per hour over the speed limit was the most common traffic violation, accounting for more than 62,000 traffic ticket convictions. However, excessive speeding of at least 20 miles per hour over the speed limit and speeding of between one and 10 miles per hour over the speed limit were also common, accounting for around 30,000 and 28,000 convictions, respectively. Drivers who violate speed limits are less likely to be able to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision, and they are more likely to lose control of their vehicles and cause injuries to others.
- OWI – More than 19,000 people were convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or controlled substances. Drunk driving is very dangerous, and it makes it nearly impossible for a person to operate a vehicle safely. Drivers who are intoxicated are likely to collide with others and cause serious harm.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Sign or Signal – Many accidents take place at intersections, and they are often caused by drivers who fail to stop for stop signs or red lights. These actions can lead to T-bone collisions in which a vehicle strikes another vehicle from the side, which can cause serious bodily harm to a driver or passengers. Nearly 18,000 people were convicted of this offense in 2020.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way – Many drivers engage in aggressive driving, and they may cut other vehicles off or refuse to allow them to enter a lane. This can lead to rear-end collisions, sideswiped vehicles, or cars being run off the road. Around 8,000 convictions for this offense occurred in Wisconsin in 2020.
- Inattentive Driving – There are a number of distractions that can affect drivers, causing them to take their eyes or attention away from the road. Texting while driving, cell phone use, or eating and drinking may play a significant role in a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. More than 5,000 Wisconsin drivers were convicted of this offense.
Contact Our Green Bay Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney
Even though drivers are aware of the potential risks of violating traffic laws, they may still do so for a variety of reasons, including because they are running late, because they are drowsy, or out of carelessness. When drivers act negligently and cause car accidents, they may be held responsible for the damages suffered by others. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we help our clients gather evidence following an accident to establish that a driver was at fault. This may include police reports showing that a person committed a traffic violation, as well as other important information, such as testimony from eyewitnesses. To learn how we can help you pursue compensation in these cases, contact our Appleton auto accident lawyers at 920-739-7366 and arrange a complimentary consultation.
Source:
https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/about-wisdot/newsroom/statistics/factsfig/2020ff.pdf