Speeding has become an increasingly accepted part of driving for many motorists, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The study found that many drivers no longer define speeding strictly by the posted limit. Going 10 mph over the speed limit is considered acceptable by many motorists, while nearly half believe keeping up with the flow of traffic can be safer than following the posted speed limit.
Three in 10 drivers surveyed agreed with the statement, “No one actually drives the speed limit,” illustrating how common speeding has become on American roads.
The behavior can have deadly 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 Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman 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.”
Researchers found several reasons drivers choose to exceed the speed limit. About 31% said they speed to get around slower drivers, 25% said they want to reach their destination faster and 21% said they do not want to hold up traffic.
Many motorists also said they don’t expect to face enforcement until they are traveling approximately 10 to 12 mph over the posted limit, which AAA says could help explain why modest speeding is often viewed as acceptable.
The possibility of receiving a ticket remains the biggest motivation for drivers to slow down. Seventy-nine percent said avoiding a ticket would cause them to reduce their speed, while 72% cited avoiding a crash and 60% said bad weather would cause them to slow down.
Despite speeding becoming more accepted, the study found widespread support for targeted enforcement.
Eighty-seven percent of drivers support an increased police presence in areas with a history of speed-related crashes, while 88% support additional enforcement in areas with the potential for those crashes. About seven in 10 also support automated speed enforcement cameras in those locations.
Drivers were less supportive of measures that directly take control of a vehicle’s speed away from the driver. More than 90% believe speed humps are effective, but fewer than half want them installed in their own neighborhoods. Drivers also generally preferred technology that warns them when they are speeding rather than systems that actively limit vehicle speed.
“Drivers may not agree on every solution, but they recognize that speeding is a serious safety issue,” Waiters 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.”
AAA also cautions motorists against feeling pressured to speed simply because surrounding traffic is traveling faster than the posted limit.
Drivers are encouraged to consider the posted speed limit along with visibility, road and weather conditions and the amount of space around their vehicle when determining a safe speed.
When surrounding traffic is speeding, AAA recommends staying in the right lane when possible, maintaining a steady and predictable speed, increasing following distance and keeping an eye on approaching vehicles.
AAA says reducing speed gives drivers more time to identify hazards, react to unexpected situations and potentially avoid a crash.