July 18, 2024
Speeding is 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) urges 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. The same year, they resulted in a decrease of 2.8%, from 12,498 deaths in 2021. No matter how safe of a driver one thinks they may be, speeding is dangerous. Speed limits aren’t a suggestion; they are the law. Obeying posted speed limits keeps drivers, passengers, and others using the road safe. Although vehicle safety and passenger protection advancements have progressed extraordinarily over the past few decades, it’s still a driver’s responsibility to control their speed while 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 risky behavior. 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, hazardous object, or unexpected curve.
“The effects of speeding are deadly,” said Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran. “Drivers on our township’s highways and secondary roadways should especially be aware of this campaign and their speed. These are the areas where many speeding related-crashes have occurred,” said Chief O’Halloran.
Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially susceptible to high speeds, representing the largest demographic in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2022, 35% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in the 15-20-year-old age group involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speed involvement at 51%
“We are urging our town to please slow down,” said Chief O’Halloran. “The choices you make behind the wheel could help save lives.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
