Driver Safety: Speeding

Speeding is the primary factor in 28% of vehicle crashes.¹ Speeding, along with other forms of aggressive driving, has increased significantly since 2020.²

Why Speeding is a Problem:

Leave it to the Experts: Traffic engineers set speed limits based on detailed analysis of road design, vehicle counts, average traffic speeds, pedestrian activity, and more. By speeding, you not only disregard their expertise but also compromise the safety measures put in place to protect everyone on the road. Respecting speed limits ensures a safer driving environment for all.

Increased Risk of Collisions:

• Tailgating: Speeding leads to tailgating, increasing the chance of rear-end collisions.
• Frequent Lane Changes: Speeding results in frequent lane changes, causing lane change collisions.

Loss of Control: Speeding is a leading cause of loss-of-control crashes, often resulting in rollovers and severe accidents.

Exponential Increase in Crash Impact: A 50% increase in speed (e.g., from 40 mph to 60 mph) results in a 125% increase in crash energy.

Longer Stopping Distance: Doubling your speed quadruples the distance needed to stop.

Partial Fault in Crashes: If you're speeding during a crash, you may be deemed partially at fault.

Plan Your Trip:

• Allow plenty of time for your journey.
• Leave early to account for unexpected traffic congestion.

Is Speeding Worth the Risk?:

• On a 20-mile trip with a 70-mph speed limit, driving at 80 mph saves only 2 minutes.
• On a 10-mile trip with a 60-mph speed limit, driving at 65 mph saves just 46 seconds.
• Consider if these small-time savings are worth the increased risk.

Adjust Speed for Conditions:

• Road Conditions: Slowdown in rain, snow, ice, etc.
• Visibility: Reduce speed in poor visibility conditions like rain, snow, smoke, sandstorms, and sun glare.

Always Wear Your Seatbelt: It's a simple yet effective safety measure.

Why it matters

Approximately 16,400 police reported crashes occur every day². 4,600 (28%) of those are speed related. Speeding saves minimal time but significantly increases the risk and severity of crashes. Always reduce your speed when road and visibility conditions deteriorate.

[1]National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2024, July). Speeding: 2022 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 582). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

[2]National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2022, September). Early estimate of motor vehicle traffic fatalities for the first half (January–June) of 2022 (Crash Stats Brief Statistical Summary. Report No. DOT HS 813 376). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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