How to Hold Speeding Drivers Accountable in New Hampshire
According to the National Institutes of Health, the risk of death and serious injury is higher for high-speed collisions. While the risk of death is just 10% with impact speeds of 24 miles per hour, that number rises to 90% at 55 miles per hour. In other words, speed kills. If you were injured by a speeding driver in New Hampshire, you might be wondering how to hold them accountable. Or perhaps you lost a loved one due to a fatal accident caused by a speeding driver. Can a New Hampshire auto accident lawyer help you pursue justice?
New Hampshire Lawmaker Suggests Increasing Speeding Fines
In January of 2025, it was reported that a New Hampshire lawmaker had suggested increasing speeding fines on certain highways by 50%. The law would turn all five of New Hampshire’s Interstates into enhanced enforcement zones – plus Route 101 and Spaulding Turnpikes.
If this law passes, anyone caught speeding 15 miles per hour above the posted limit would face a speeding ticket 50% higher than normal. The lawmaker who suggested this change notes that drivers have been speeding at much higher rates recently. Drivers were divided on this potential change, with some stating that they are forced to speed to match the speed of traffic. Others think that it is a good idea. In any case, there is no real guarantee that this law will pass.
Speeding Is Rampant in New Hampshire
There is no denying that speeding is a problem in New Hampshire. Days before the lawmaker announced their planned speeding ticket hike, a man from Manchester was arrested after a high-speed chase. Police tried to stop the man after he was caught speeding, but this attempted traffic stop only made the driver more erratic.
He increased his speed, endangering other motorists and pedestrians before crashing his truck. He was later charged with driving under the influence, disobeying an officer, reckless operation, speeding, yellow line violations, and other offenses. This report shows that even if speeding fines are increased by 50%, trying to enforce these tickets can cause increased danger.
Another speeder was arrested a day earlier, having reached 137 miles per hour during a police chase in Dover. Again, this chase began when police tried to pull the teen over for going 95 miles per hour in a 55 mile-per-hour zone. Instead of stopping, the teen slammed the accelerator and tried to escape the police. The teen was only stopped when police used a tire deflation device to immobilize his vehicle.
Can a New Hampshire Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A New Hampshire auto accident lawyer may be able to help if you were injured by a speeding driver. Speeding is a clear example of negligence, and it may lead to a personal injury lawsuit. If you lost a loved one due to the recklessness of a speeding driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. While new laws could curb speeding, sometimes lawsuits ensure greater accountability. To learn more, contact Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC today.
Sources:
wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-speeding-fine-law-proposal/63612177
newportdispatch.com/2025/01/25/high-speed-chase-ends-in-crash-leads-to-multiple-charges-for-manchester-man/
thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/teen-driver-arrested-after-137-mph-chase-with-police-in-new-hampshire-bmw-335xi-thomas-c-smart
