AAA: New Research Finds Speeding Has Become the Norm

Speeding has become so commonplace that many motorists now consider it a normal part of being behind the wheel, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Three in ten drivers agreed with the statement “No one actually drives the speed limit.” While most motorists agreed that posted speed limits are appropriate, many also considered driving 10 mph over the limit acceptable, and nearly half believed keeping up with traffic is safer than obeying the posted limit.

Those attitudes matter because speeding continues to have deadly consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of traffic fatalities in 2024.

“When motorists think of speeding as a normal part of driving, they could be putting themselves and other drivers at risk” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central. “The faster you’re traveling, the less time and distance you have to react when something unexpected happens. It’s important to remember the safest speed isn’t the one everyone else is driving, it’s the one that allows enough time and space to handle the situation safely.”

The findings suggest many drivers aren’t speeding simply because they are running late.

Drivers’ top reasons for speeding:

• To get around slower drivers (31%)
• To reach their destination faster (25%)
• To avoid holding up traffic (21%)

Drivers’ top reasons to slow down:

• To avoid getting a ticket (79%)
• To avoid being involved in a crash (72%)
• Bad weather (60%)

The research also examined public support for ways to reduce speeding. Motorists showed strong support for increased police presence in areas with a history or potential for speed-related crashes. Roughly seven in ten also supported automated speed cameras in those locations. Motorists were generally more supportive of technology that warns them when they’re speeding than systems that automatically restrict vehicle speed.

Changing attitudes around speeding will take time, but motorists can make a difference now by making safe speed choices each time they get behind the wheel.

Choose speed based on:

• The posted speed limit – think of it as a benchmark for a safe and appropriate speed.  The posted speed limit is the maximum, not the minimum speed you should be driving.
• Visibility – What motorists can see determines how much time they have to react.
• Road conditions – Weather and traction affect the ability to stop safely.
• Space around the vehicle – Don’t let surrounding traffic dictate speed; leave enough room to respond to the unexpected.

If driving the speed limit while everyone else is speeding:

• Stay in the rightmost lane and avoid driving in the passing lane.
• Maintain a steady, predictable speed.
• Increase following distance and watch for faster vehicles approaching from behind.

The full study and supporting materials are available from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s website.

About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, publicly supported charitable research and education organization. It was founded in 1947 by the American Automobile Association to conduct research to address growing highway safety issues. The organization’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems, foster research that seeks solutions, and disseminate information and educational materials. AAA Foundation funding comes from voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from motor clubs associated with the American Automobile Association and the Canadian Automobile Association, individual AAA club members, insurance companies and other individuals or groups.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 69 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. AAA East Central provides services to its members including Automotive, Insurance, Discounts & Rewards, Financial, and Travel. Find out more about AAA Membership and current savings here.

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