Fatal Accident Site Raises Concerns Over Speed Limit Violations

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Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers weigh in on speeding violations at a fatal accident site. Speeding is one of the top causes of fatal car accidents. When cars are traveling too fast in a residential area, it can be particularly devastating because there are pedestrians walking along the side of the road or crossing the street. Recently, there have been a growing number of accidents in the west end of Ellicott City’s historic district. Residents of the area complain that motorists often speed through the neighborhood and that not enough is being done to prevent people from driving too fast in a 25 mile per hour zone.

The latest wreck in this area occurred in April when a driver lost control of their vehicle while rounding a curve on Main Street in Ellicott City, which is a two-lane road that connects Howard County to Catonsville. Unfortunately, the driver was not wearing a seatbelt when they veered off the road and hit three parked vehicles. As a result, they did not survive the accident. The authorities are still investigating whether the driver was speeding at the time of the incident.

After the fatal crash, residents have been posting signs urging drivers to slow down and obey the 25-mph speed limit. One resident speculated that people drive too fast because they do not realize it is a residential community, since it is just outside the stretch of Main Street where there are several popular shops and restaurants. County Councilman Jon Weinstein and state Del. Robert Flanagan recognize that too many motorists speed through this residential area and that something needs to be done. Flanagan plans to meet with state and county officials to discuss the issue.

Potential Safety Improvements

According to the Director of the Department of Public Works, there are several things that can be done to make this area safer. For example, speed bumps can be installed. In addition, authorities can enforce stricter penalties for speeding, and install curb bump outs to slow down traffic. The minimum enforceable speed limit is 25 mph, but the county can post lower speed limits in certain areas. However, they cannot legally enforce a speed limit that is lower than 24 mph.

Police recently posted a portable monitoring sign, as well as a radar system, which can gather data about how often drivers are exceeding the speed limit. A recent study showed that the average speed was 27 mph and that 85 percent of motorists were following the speed limit. Residents question whether these measures are effective or if motorists only slow down when approaching a sign. Some believe that a thorough traffic study is needed to prevent future accidents.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Car Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving another driver who you believe was speeding, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Our experienced, dedicated team will determine who is responsible for your injuries and ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.