Speeding accidents in Maryland: Local city takes steps to combat the issue

You see them frequently on the roads in Maryland – drivers who think that posted speed limits are optional. Speeding drivers pose a deadly risk to other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians — and local officials from one Maryland city have announced efforts to address the problem.

Out of speed and out of control

For many residents in Frederick, MD — which is about 30 miles north of Rockville — it will come as no surprise that speeding complaints are among the most common reports to the city and police. In response, Mayor Michael O’Connor has implemented “Operation Safe Speed” to address the problem of speeding drivers. In addition to public safety, O’Connor said it's also a quality of life issue for city residents.

The mayor said a partnership between the Frederick Police Department and Department of Public Works traffic engineering staff will study city neighborhoods that have been the source of complaints. Officials will utilize an increased police presence and speed signs to capture data in those areas, such as Monocacy Boulevard and Christopher’s Crossing.

To date, the city has responded to complaints by conducting more than 70 small enforcement operations. Operation Safe Speed will build on that approach through interdepartmental cooperation. It will include a thorough analysis of high-complaint neighborhoods for ways to effectively address the problem. Where necessary, for example, the city may increase speed enforcement or make changes in traffic patterns, lights, and other adjustments.

Taking control of the situation

Topping the list, police say, is more effectively sharing information with the public.

“The biggest thing is communication will improve,” Lieutenant Jon Holler said. “Whereas when the complaints were coming in the past, we were focusing on them, but we weren’t always following up the best on the back end to let them know what we’ve done and what we’ve seen while conducting our enforcement.”

Holler said it also is important for police to utilize the latest in training exercises “to stay ahead of the curve.” He and the mayor also encouraged the public to continue reporting traffic safety concerns to the city.

In a news release announcing the initiative, the city also urged residents to:

• Monitor their own speed.
• Leave for a destination a few minutes early to avoid the temptation to speed.
• Be aware of posted speed limits.
• Consider the financial and moral consequences of speeding, such as receiving an expensive ticket, injuring or killing another person in a car accident, etc.
• Use cruise control whenever possible.

While these tips were given to help drivers in Frederick slow down, the advice is something that all drivers can use to avoid speeding. Keep in mind that along with being against the law, speeding increases your risk of being involved in a severe accident that can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.

Take control of your claim with an experienced car accident lawyer

Despite the efforts of local officials, people are going to ignore both common sense and the law to drive as fast as they want, putting others at risk in the process, and now that COVID is almost a memory, drivers have taken back to the roads in full force.

If you or a loved one has been injured or even lost their life in a car accident caused by a driver who was speeding, you have recourse under the law to hold the at-fault party responsible for their negligence.

Be mindful that it's all in a day's work for insurance adjusters to try to minimize, stall, or deny claims. They're also notorious for making quick cash settlement offers that might seem fair on paper but are actually just a fraction of what you're entitled to recover.

At the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC, founding attorney Stuart L. Plotnick knows how insurance companies think and how to counter the tactics they use to avoid paying victims appropriate compensation. That's because he spent 10 years as a lead trial lawyer for and counsel to several major insurance companies before he started his own legal practice protecting and advocating for victims.

Find out what a car accident lawyer in Rockville, MD with over 30 years of experience can do for you. Contact us today for a free consultation. We're located in Rockville but we also serve clients in D.C. and Virginia.