In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) recent National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behavior, nearly 50% of drivers surveyed reported speeding as a problem on U.S roads. Yet, 1 in 5 drivers admitted to speeding, or trying “to get where I am going as fast as I can.”
Speeding, the most common aggressive driving behavior, is the third leading contributing factor to traffic crashes, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). The NHTSA further reports that nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities each year are caused by speeding-related traffic crashes, resulting in almost 10,000 deaths each year.
The NHTSA’s survey shows that drivers clearly acknowledge the safety benefits of speed limits and the dangers of speeding. Four out of five drivers surveyed believe that following speed limits prevents dangerous situations and reduces the risk of a crash. 91% believe that drivers should obey speed limits while 48% said that reducing speeding on U.S. roads is important.
However, the survey also revealed that these same drivers tend to speed themselves. More than one-fourth of drivers admitted to speeding without thinking or enjoying speeding while 16% believe that speeding isn’t dangerous for skilled drivers. Perhaps not surprisingly, drivers aged 16-20 years old admitted to speeding more than any other age group. In fact, 11% of drivers in that age group reported being involved in at least one speeding-related crash in the past five years, compared to 4% of all drivers surveyed.
Speeding, or exceeding the posted speed limit, puts you and other drivers at an increased risk of being involved in a crash and being injured or killed. Stay safe and help create a safe driving environment on our roads by following these safe driving practices:
- Stay alert and avoid distractions, such as cellphones and other electronic devices
- Watch for and obey posted speed limits, especially in school zones and residential neighborhoods
- Follow all traffic laws
- Practice techniques for staying calm on the road to avoid aggressive driving
- Never drink and drive
Parents: Talk with your teen drivers about driving safety, following the NHTSA’s “5 to Drive”, which includes no speeding and four other critical driving practices that can reduce the risk of a crash when followed.