Everyone in North Carolina has experienced that moment of driving along the highway and suddenly coming across a line of vehicles. If you\’re lucky, you can slam on your brakes in time. Unfortunately, there was no pre-warning because you didn\’t see any signs about reducing your speed limit on the road. Unexpected obstacles are a major cause of accidents.
How variable speed limits can make roads safer
Anyone who\’s spent any amount of time on the highway knows that the speed limit isn\’t consistent. You could be driving 60 miles per hour when the roads are clear, 40 miles per hour when traffic is congested and 20 miles per hour if there\’s been a motor vehicle accident. Wouldn\’t it be safer if you knew what was coming ahead of time?
That\’s the idea behind variable speed limits, a new type of technology that was recently piloted in St. Louis. Instead of a metal sign, variable speed limits involve a digital screen that changes to reflect the current speed. If there\’s an accident ahead and traffic has slowed down to 20 miles per hour, you\’ll be able to slow down long before you run into the wall of vehicles.
A recent study showed that this technology reduced the risk of collisions and even eased congestion on the highway. When people weren\’t surprised at the last minute, they found it easier to navigate challenges on the highway. This technology has yet to receive a country-wide release, but it could have a massive impact on the nation\’s highways. Currently, over a million rear-end collisions are reported in the United States every year, causing over a thousand deaths and half a million injuries.
What should you do if you\’re injured in a rear-end collision?
A rear-end collision might sound like a minor accident, but it can lead to severe injuries and even fatalities. An attorney may have the tools you need to sue the driver who was responsible. Attorneys may represent a wide range of clients, including passenger vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.