OverviewSpeeding endangers everyone on the road: In 2020, speeding killed 11,258 people. We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule, but speed limits are put in place to protect all road users. Learn about the dangers of speeding and why faster doesn’t mean safer. Show
Safety Facts 11,258 Speeding-related deaths in 2020 53% Speeding drivers in fatal crashes in 2020 who were not wearing seat belts 35% MEN 15-20 YEARS OLD WHO WERE DRIVING, SPEEDING, AND INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASHES IN 2020 Speeding Catches Up With YouThe Issue Dangers of SpeedingTRAFFIC SAFETY FACTS & DATA PUBLICATIONS For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. In 2020, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities. Speed also affects your safety even when you are driving at the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area at night that isn’t well lit. Speeding endangers not only the life of the speeder, but all of the people on the road around them, including law enforcement officers. It is a problem we all need to help solve. Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:
The Issue What Drives Speeding?Related Topics Speeding is a type of aggressive driving behavior. Several factors have contributed to an overall rise in aggressive driving: Traffic Traffic congestion is one of the most frequently mentioned contributing factors to aggressive driving, such as speeding. Drivers may respond by using aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, changing lanes frequently, or becoming angry at anyone who they believe impedes their progress. Running Late Some people drive aggressively because they have too much to do and are “running late” for work, school, their next meeting, lesson, soccer game, or other appointment. Anonymity A motor vehicle insulates the driver from the world. Shielded from the outside environment, a driver can develop a sense of detachment, as if an observer of their surroundings, rather than a participant. This can lead to some people feeling less constrained in their behavior when they cannot be seen by others and/or when it is unlikely that they will ever again see those who witness their behavior. Disregard for Others and For the Law Most motorists rarely drive aggressively, and some never do. For others, episodes of aggressive driving are frequent, and for a small proportion of motorists it is their usual driving behavior. Occasional episodes of aggressive driving–such as speeding and changing lanes abruptly–might occur in response to specific situations, like when the driver is late for an important appointment, but is not the driver’s normal behavior. If it seems that there are more cases of rude and outrageous behavior on the road now than in the past, the observation is correct—if for no other reason than there are more drivers driving more miles on the same roads than ever before. The Issue Dealing with Speeding and Aggressive DriversSpeeding behavior and aggressive drivers may not only affect the speeder—it can also affect other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Here are some tips for encountering speeders on the road:
NHTSA In Action NHTSA is dedicated to eliminating risky behaviors on our nation’s roadsNHTSA works with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration to provide the roadmap, tools, guidance, and resources for state and local governments to use in designing and applying a balanced and effective speed management program. Speed management involves the following:
To promote this strategy, NHTSA delivers a Speed Management Program course to state and local jurisdictions. The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to address speeding problems in states and local communities. NHTSA also provides training to law enforcement officers on the use of speed-measuring devices (i.e., radar and lidar) in order to identify and take enforcement action against speeding drivers. Finally, NHTSA works with national law enforcement partners, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement to heighten awareness of the speeding problem in the United States and deliver effective enforcement countermeasures to combat it. Search for more resourcesExplore other topics in Risky DrivingHow should you communicate your cooperation with the driver in the right front zone?How should you communicate your cooperation with the driver in the right front zone? Slow down slightly to give the driver open space to change lanes.
Which of the following are ways in which you can communicate with others on the road?The communication devices of your car include: turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, a flash of the headlights, and the horn. Sometimes you may communicate by waving or nodding. Use turn signals every time you turn or change lanes.
What is the best lane position to use as you approach the crest of a hill?Steep Hills or Crests–Before approaching the crest of a steep hill, slow down, move to the right side of the road, and watch for oncoming vehicles. Never attempt to pass another vehicle when approaching a steep hill or crest.
Which lane position should be in most of the time group of answer choices?Position 1: The center of the lane. This is where you should be most of the time. Not too hot, not too cold; just right with a little space cushion on both sides. Position 2: The right side of the lane.
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