In a new survey, almost 80% of Americans admitted to speeding while driving. 30% of those surveyed also agreed that “no one actually drives the speed limit.”
According to recent research by the American Automobile Association (AAA), “While most drivers agreed that posted speed limits are appropriate, many also considered driving 10 mph over the limit acceptable, and nearly half believed keeping up with traffic is safer than obeying the posted limit.”
A total of 79% of those surveyed admitted to speeding. 30% said they were sometimes speeders, and 34% called themselves a rare speeder. Only 21% of respondents said they never speed, and 15% said they speed frequently.
Why do people choose to speed, and when do they choose not to speed?
The survey also revealed the reasons most people speed. 25% said they speed to reach their destination faster, while 31% said they do so to avoid slower traffic. 21% said they do it to avoid slowing down traffic, and 19% said it was just a typical part of their driving.
The reasons people don’t speed are also pretty obvious. Avoiding tickets (79%) and reducing the likelihood of an accident (72%) were the main reasons people don’t. Bad weather was another factor, cited by 60% of drivers as a reason for slowing down.
Despite many people speeding on American roads, about seven out of ten drivers favored automated speed cameras in areas with a history (87%) or potential (88%) of speed-related collisions, and they strongly supported a greater police presence at those locations.
Suggestions for determining how fast to drive
AAA suggests considering the posted speed limit, visibility, road conditions and the space around your car when determining how fast to drive. Also, if you’re following the speed limit while everyone else is speeding, stay in the rightmost lane, avoid the left lane, maintain a steady, predictable pace, keep a safe following distance, and watch for cars approaching from behind.
“Choosing the right speed isn’t about how quickly you’ll get there—or how fast everyone else is driving,” said Dr. Bill Van Tassel, Manager of AAA’s national driver training program. “It’s about choosing a pace that gives you the time and space to react when something unexpected happens. That’s what helps prevent crashes.”