Fatal Crash at Kidder & San Marco
On the evening of Tuesday, July 6, 2021, a Fairfield man was killed in a major car crash. He was 51 years old. The collision took place sometime after 6:00 p.m. and was caused by another driver traveling at an unsafe speed. It occurred near the intersection of Kidder Avenue and San Marco Street in Fairfield, according to police officials. The deceased was later identified by the Solano County Coroner’s office as Gregory Richardson.
A public information officer with the Fairfield Police Department (FPD) reported that Mr. Richardson succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Accident Details
A Fairfield woman in her 60’s was driving the other involved vehicle at a high rate of speed when she slammed into Mr. Richardson’s vehicle. It is not known whether she sustained any injuries in the impact.
Speeding is a Menace on Our Roads
For more than twenty years, excessive speed has been a factor in around a third of all car crash fatalities. Driving too fast for conditions such as limited visibility, adverse weather, and/or road construction – even if technically the speed complies with the posted speed limit – is also a dangerous driving practice.
Speeding puts everyone on the road in danger, not just the negligent driver.
The Consequences of Speeding
Driving faster than the speed limit is not only illegal but hazardous. Here are some of the consequences of driving at an unsafe speed:
- The potential to lose control of the vehicle is greater.
- The effectiveness of vehicle occupant protection equipment is reduced.
- The degree of impact severity in a crash is increased, which can result in more severe injuries.
- If a speeding driver perceives danger up ahead, the required stopping distance is increased.
- Speeding increases fuel consumption, which equals higher fuel costs.
Why Do People Speed?
Speeding is a form of aggressive driving, and this negative behavior is on the rise. Aggressive driving occurs as a result of several factors, including:
- Increased traffic. Heavy traffic is one of the most frequent contributors to acts of aggressive driving, which includes driving at an unsafe speed. Some drivers get angry at anything or anyone who they perceive is impeding their progress and they may respond by driving aggressively.
- The driver is running late. This is an often-used excuse for speeding. To this, we say, “leave earlier.”
- Anonymity. Many aggressive drivers feel anonymous in their vehicles. They are shielded from the outside world and may develop a feeling of detachment. The act of driving may become almost like a video game. This feeling may be heightened by the heavy window tinting that is commonly added to modern vehicles. Many vehicles’ windows are tinted beyond that which is allowed by law, and drivers feel more anonymous knowing that other drivers cannot see them.
- Disregard for the law, and for others. At its core, aggressive driving is selfish behavior. Some people drive aggressively all the time. These same people probably never return their shopping carts to the cart returns, either. They believe the world revolves around them.
There are more drivers out on our roads than ever before, and unfortunately, that means that the number of rude, aggressive, and obnoxious drivers with whom we must share the road has also increased.
How to Deal with Aggressive and Speeding Drivers
Here are some ways in which you may want to deal with an aggressive speeder out on the road:
- Give them a wide berth. Speeders and drivers who make erratic lane changes have a tendency to lose control of their vehicles, and you don’t want to be next to them when they do.
- If you are driving in the left lane and another driver makes it known that they want to pass, move to the right lane when it is safe to do so and let them be on their way.
- If you believe you are being followed or harassed by an aggressive driver, call the police or better yet, have your passenger do so.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below, created by the NHTSA, warns against neighborhood speeding.
Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield, California car accident lawyer. Negligence causes too many accidents on our Northern California roads. If you have been injured due to the recklessness or carelessness of another driver, call our injury lawyers for free and friendly advice. We are available by phone at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. Alternatively, you may send your inquiry online.
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