The Elbert County Sheriff's Office Works to Save Lives by Reminding Drivers to Obey Posted Speed Limits.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 13,000 lives were lost across America in speeding-related traffic crashes during 2005.

12^th Worst for crashes out of 64 Counties

Elbert is rated the 12^th Worst County for crashes in the State.

Crash data since 1995 shows a continuous increase in the number of deaths and injuries attributed to speed. Despite gains in vehicle safety and passenger protection, thousands of Americans still die each year in speed-related crashes.

Speeding is usually defined as driving in excess of the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions and can have dangerous consequences including:

• Reducing a driver's ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around obstacles in the roadway;

• Extending the distance traveled before a vehicle can stop;

• Increasing the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a hazard;

• Increasing the risk of crashes and injuries because other vehicles and pedestrians may not be able to judge distance accurately.

"Even one life lost to speeding is one too many," said Undersheriff Heap."That's why The Elbert County Sheriff's Office is joining NHTSA and other state and local law enforcement and highway safety leaders all across the nation to remind all drivers to Stop Speeding Before It Stops You."