July 2024 Speeding Awareness

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an anti-speeding campaign in July, and throughout the country, many law enforcement agencies conducted high enforcement campaigns in their own jurisdictions. Nationally, speeding accounts for about 1/3 of all roadway fatalities, and early 2023 data attributes 39 fatal crashes to speed in Nebraska alone. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), during the two week “Make it Click” seatbelt campaign in May and June, the Nebraska State Patrol cited 955 drivers for speeding, including almost 50 who were traveling over 100mph. In the first half of July, one driver was clocked at 130mph in a 65mph work zone.

Speeding shortens the reaction time window a driver has to apply the brakes or avoid risks or obstacles on the roadway, thereby endangering the driver and passengers alike.

It also magnifies the forces at play during a crash, making it more difficult for vehicles and roadway safety features to limit serious injuries or death. Outside of the vehicle, it also makes it more difficult for pedestrians, roadway workers, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users to protect themselves.

Here’s an interesting perspective. If your commute is 10 miles, with a speed limit of 50mph the entire way, you will arrive at your destination in 12 minutes. Driving 10mph over – at 60mph – shaves two minutes off the arrival time, but also doubles the risk of a crash. Is that much risk worth so little reward?