Speeding is a dangerous and aggressive behavior that accounts for more than one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities nationally. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) urge drivers to stop speeding and end this risky driving behavior because Speeding Catches Up With You.
In 2022, there were 12,151 fatalities in speeding-related crashes, accounting for 29% of total traffic fatalities in the U.S. The same year resulted in a decrease in fatalities of 2.8% from 12,498 in 2021. Obeying posted speed limits keeps drivers, passengers, and others using the road safe. Although advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection have progressed extraordinarily over the past few decades, it is still a driver’s responsibility to control their speed while driving behind the wheel.
There are many reasons drivers choose to speed, but lateness, traffic, and a general disregard for others are the main culprits behind this risky behavior. Much like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that can have deadly consequences. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve.
“The effects of speeding are deadly,” said OHSO Director Paul Harris. “We are urging drivers to please slow down. The choices you make behind the wheel could help save lives. Ultimately, Speeding Catches Up With You.”
Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially susceptible to high speeds, and they represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2022, 35% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding. Thirty-five percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 51%. For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding