Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits in Arizona

In Arizona, strict enforcement of speed limits is a vital part of the state’s efforts to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. Arizona’s lawmakers have passed legislation designed to keep drivers within safe speed limits. 

For instance, the speed limit is set at sixty-five miles per hour on urban interstates that go through cities and seventy-five MPH on rural interstates. One of the strictest speed regulations in the state is for school zones, where the speed limit drops to fifteen MPH. If a driver exceeds these speed limits by twenty MPH or more, they could face criminal speeding charges, which can result in hefty fines, potential jail time, and a permanent criminal record.

The effects of heavy rainfall on Arizona highways can amplify the dangers of speeding. When rain makes road conditions slick, a vehicle’s stopping distance increases, making speeding even more hazardous.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by speeding or hazardous conditions, contact car accident lawyers in Phoenix like Gage Mathers. With years of experience handling accident cases, Gage Mathers ensures that victims receive the compensation they deserve and that the responsible parties are held accountable.

In some cases, the law allows for punitive damages, which can be awarded in addition to compensatory damages when the driver’s reckless speeding contributed to the accident. This type of compensation is designed to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Understanding Speeding Tickets and Their Consequences

A speeding ticket is typically issued when a vehicle is traveling more than ten MPH over the speed limit. For school zones, just a six MPH over the limit can result in a ticket. These types of tickets may seem relatively minor, but they still carry significant consequences. Not only will the driver be required to pay a fine, but they will also face points on their driving record, which can lead to increased insurance rates.

However, even a slight increase in speed significantly impacts road safety. For example, increasing your speed from sixty MPH to seventy MPH can extend your required stopping distance from approximately 220 feet to nearly 300 feet. When combined with dangerous weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, the risk of an accident grows exponentially. Heavy rain can reduce visibility and cause standing water on the roads, making it even more difficult to stop in time.

Moreover, temperature-related vehicle failures in Arizona can add an extra layer of danger, particularly during the summer months. The extreme heat combined with engine temperatures can cause a vehicle to overheat or break down, creating unexpected hazards for other drivers on the road. In such cases, the driver’s speeding may contribute to their vehicle’s breakdown, ultimately leading to accidents and injuries.

Criminal Speeding: A Serious Offense

Criminal speeding is defined as driving twenty MPH or more above the posted speed limit. This is considered a class 3 misdemeanor in Arizona, and drivers who are caught engaging in criminal speeding may face severe penalties. These penalties can include heavy fines, jail time, and the loss of a driver’s license. Criminal speeding is a serious offense, especially when it leads to a car accident. If a driver’s excessive speed causes significant bodily harm or property damage, the charges may escalate from criminal speeding to reckless driving–a much more severe criminal offense.

For individuals facing charges of criminal speeding, the consequences can be far-reaching. A criminal record can affect employment prospects, immigration status, and the ability to drive professionally, especially for those with commercial driver’s licenses. When reckless driving contributes to an accident, the law tends to be especially harsh, as it can be seen as an intentional disregard for the safety of others.

Justice for Those Injured in Speeding Accidents

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by speeding, whether due to criminal speeding or general speeding, it’s crucial to reach out to car accident lawyers in Phoenix like Gage Mathers. We understand the devastating impact an accident can have on your life, both physically and financially. 

Our team is dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation possible for our clients. We treat every case with the utmost care, making sure that all evidence is collected, witnesses are interviewed, and the responsible party is held accountable.

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 24 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
JD’s Profile