NTSB Calling for Change After Las Vegas Speeding Accident That Killed 9

After a terrible accident that took the lives of nine people – eight in one family – the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending automakers install systems on all new vehicles that warn drivers when they go over the speed limit. They are also asking safety regulators to determine whether states can limit speeds on vehicles driven by repeat traffic offenders, like the one that caused the speeding accident here in Las Vegas last year.

Fox 5 Vegas reports:

The National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations to combat excessive speeding came after a hearing Tuesday on a January 2022 crash in North Las Vegas, Nevada. In that crash, the driver of a Dodge Challenger with a long record of speeding ran a red light at 103 miles per hour (166 kilometers per hour) and slammed into a minivan, killing himself and eight others.

The NTSB, which can only make recommendations and has no regulatory authority, determined that the Challenger driver’s speed and running a stop sign and red light caused the crash. The driver was also impaired by cocaine and PCP.

More importantly, however, investigators found that the state of Nevada had previously charged the driver with five speeding violations in 17 months. In fact, Fox 5 reports that just days before the crash, the driver pleaded guilty to speeding in Las Vegas, walking away with just a $150 fine. This left many asking, “Why was this person still on the road?“

“The state of Nevada must do better about removing the silos of adjacent courts and sharing information,” board member Michael Graham said. “The state of Nevada failed to hold the driver accountable.”

The NTSB notes this is not a problem unique to Las Vegas; other states are dealing with this issue as well.

The NTSB’s recommendations

Per Fox 5:

The board recommended that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develop measures to reduce repeat speeding offenders, and to develop guidelines to help states test speed-limiting devices on vehicles owned by repeat offenders. It also recommended that states develop ways to identify chronic speeders and reduce repeat offenses.

The NTSB is asking the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require “intelligent speed assistance systems” on all new vehicles. These systems use cameras and mapping to determine the speed limit and should warn drivers if they go over it. They also discussed asking states to install systems that would make it harder for a repeat offender to speed.

What is a speed limiter?

A speed limiter is a safety device that prevents a car from going over a set speed. It’s also known as an Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) system.

Speed limiters are different from cruise control. With a speed limiter, you can still accelerate and decelerate normally, but the car won’t go faster than the set limit. Speed limiters work by reducing engine efficiency when the car reaches the set speed.

Sensors in the car detect how fast you are going, as well as the local speed limits, and send this information to the engine’s computer. When a pre-determined speed is met, the computer restricts fuel and airflow to the engine, making it impossible to exceed this pre-determined speed. Power is restored when the engine speed drops.

Speed limiter systems don’t automatically apply the brakes. They give drivers a few seconds to slow down if they are speeding. If the driver doesn’t comply, the ISA will limit the vehicle’s engine power.

Why is speeding so dangerous?

Speeding is a major factor in car accidents and injuries. Here are some of the reasons why speeding is so dangerous:

• Reduced reaction time. When you are driving faster, you have less time to react to unexpected events, such as sudden stops, pedestrians crossing the road, or other vehicles changing lanes. This increased risk of collision is one of the primary reasons why speeding is so dangerous.
• Increased stopping distance. It takes longer for a vehicle to stop when it is traveling at a faster speed. This means that if you need to stop suddenly, you may not be able to do so before you hit another vehicle or object.
• Increased risk of rollovers. Speeding can make it more likely that your vehicle will roll over, especially if you are driving on a curved road or if you encounter a sudden obstacle.
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment. Airbags and seat belts are designed to protect you in a crash, but they are less effective if you are traveling at a high speed. This is because the force of the impact is greater at higher speeds, and the airbags and seat belts may not be able to adequately absorb all of the energy.
• Increased severity of injuries. In crashes involving speeding, everyone is more likely to be seriously injured or killed. This is because the force of the impact is greater at higher speeds, and your body has less time to absorb the energy.

In addition to these immediate dangers, speeding can also have long-term consequences, such as increased vehicle wear and tear and higher fuel consumption.

How our Las Vegas attorneys can help

The car accident attorneys at Claggett & Sykes can help you in many ways after you have been injured in by a speeding driver. Here are some of the things we can do for you:

• Gather evidence. Our attorneys will gather evidence to support your case, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the accident scene.
• Negotiate with insurance companies. Insurance companies will often try to settle claims for less than they are worth. Your attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
• File a lawsuit. If insurance companies are unwilling to settle your claim for a fair amount, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and go to court.
• Help you get the medical care you need. Our attorneys can help you get the medical care you need.
• Help you recover lost wages. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, your attorney can make a claim for your lost wages.
• Help you get compensation for pain and suffering. Our lawyers can also help you get compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages you have suffered as a result of your injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by speeding, talk to the Las Vegas attorneys at Claggett & Sykes today. We work to secure compensation for your damages and losses and advocate for you each step of the way. Don’t go it alone – work with an experienced car accident attorney today. To schedule a free consultation, call us or use our contact form. We have offices in both Las Vegas and Reno to better serve our clients.