The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a new survey recently that sheds some insight into attitudes on speeding.[1] According to the NHTSA data, speeding-related deaths account for nearly 1/3 of all traffic fatalities per year, taking close to 10,000 lives. Almost half of the driver surveyed, 48%, reported that speeding was a problem and that something needed to be done to reduce speeding on U.S. roads. Yet, of those surveyed, more than 25% admitted to speeding “without thinking.” Another 16% felt that driving over the speed limit is not dangerous for skilled drivers.
Not surprisingly, those with the least amount of driving skills admitted to speeding more than any other age group. 11% of the drivers in the 16-20 year old age group reported at least one speeding-related crash in the past 5 years – compared to 4% of the population as a whole. This is statistically significant given that young drivers may not have been driving for all of the past 5 years.
NHTSA also recently launched its “5 to Drive” campaign that challenges parents to discuss the 5 biggest beneficial impacts in the event of a crash:
- No speeding;
- No cell phone use or texting while driving;
- No extra passengers;
- No alcohol; and
- No driving or riding without a seat belt.[2]
If you or someone you know was involved in a motor vehicle collision where speed was a factor, the experienced attorneys at Adler Giersch, PS are ready and willing to help you.
