NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 18, 2026Hillsborough
AAA study finds most drivers consider speeding 10 mph over limit acceptable
A new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study reports that most drivers view driving 10 mph over the speed limit as normal behavior, despite speeding being a factor in over 11,000 traffic deaths in 2024. The report highlights a disconnect where drivers prioritize avoiding traffic tickets over other safety measures and prefer increased enforcement over physical road modifications.
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The study identifies a widespread cultural perception among drivers that speeding is acceptable, which correlates with nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities in 2023.
Key Facts
- Speeding contributed to more than 11,000 traffic deaths in 2024.
- Nearly 30% of all traffic deaths in 2023 were linked to speeding.
- Most drivers surveyed consider driving 10 mph over the speed limit to be acceptable.
- Some drivers reported that driving 25 mph over the speed limit feels normal.
- Three in 10 drivers believe that no one actually drives the speed limit.
- More than half of drivers believe keeping up with the flow of traffic is safer than obeying the speed limit.
- Drivers are more likely to slow down to avoid a traffic ticket than to avoid a crash.
- Drivers express support for increased law enforcement and automated speed cameras.
- Drivers express less support for physical traffic calming measures like speed humps and roundabouts.
- AAA recommends staying in the rightmost lane and allowing extra space for reaction time to mitigate speeding risks.