Speeding normalized on roads despite clear safety hazards, study finds

Speeding has become so common that many drivers consider traveling 10 mph over the posted speed limit acceptable, while nearly half believe keeping up with traffic is safer than obeying the law, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The findings suggest many motorists no longer define speeding by the posted limit alone. In fact, three in 10 drivers agreed with the statement, “No one actually drives the speed limit,” highlighting how deeply the behavior has become normalized.

However, these driving attitudes carry severe consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of traffic fatalities in 2024.

“Too many drivers have convinced themselves that speeding is just part of driving,” said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The reality is that crashes don’t care what’s considered normal. The faster you’re going, the less time you have to avoid a dangerous situation.”

According to the study, drivers most commonly exceed the speed limit because they want to get around slower drivers (31%), want to reach their destination faster (25%) or do not want to hold up traffic (21%). Many motorists also do not expect police enforcement until they are traveling roughly 10 to 12 mph above the posted limit, which researchers suggest may explain why modest speeding is widely seen as acceptable.

Despite the growing acceptance of speeding, drivers overwhelmingly support targeted enforcement measures. Specifically, 88% of drivers support increased enforcement in areas with a potential for speed-related crashes, while 87% support a greater police presence in areas with a history of such crashes.

Additionally, about seven in 10 respondents support the use of automated speed enforcement cameras in those locations.

Support drops, however, when measures take control away from the motorist. While more than 90% of drivers believe speed humps are effective, fewer than half support installing them in their own neighborhoods. Motorists also favor warning systems that alert them when they are speeding over vehicle technology that actively limits speed.

“Drivers may not agree on every solution, but they recognize that speeding is a serious safety issue,” Jarmusz said. “The findings show strong support for targeted enforcement in places where speed-related crashes are happening. That’s an important step toward making roads safer.”

When surrounding traffic is speeding, drivers often face significant pressure to conform.

“There’s a lot of pressure to go with the flow of traffic, especially when everyone around you seems to be speeding,” Jarmusz said. “But safe driving isn’t about matching the fastest vehicle on the road. It’s about making sure you have enough time to see a problem, react, and avoid a crash.”

To remain safe, AAA recommends that drivers select their speed based on the posted limit, visibility conditions, road and weather conditions and the amount of space around their vehicle. If the surrounding traffic is moving faster than the limit, the organization advises drivers to stay in the right lane when possible, maintain a steady and predictable speed and increase following distance while monitoring approaching vehicles.