Speeding has become so commonplace that many motorists now consider it a normal part of being behind the wheel, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Three in 10 drivers agreed with the statement “no one actually drives the speed limit.” While most motorists 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.

Those attitudes matter because speeding continues to have deadly consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of traffic fatalities in 2024.

The findings suggest many drivers aren’t speeding simply because they are running late. Drivers’ top reasons for speeding include the following.

• To get around slower drivers (31%)

• To reach their destination faster (25%)

• To avoid holding up traffic (21%)

Drivers’ top reasons to slow down include the following.

• To avoid getting a ticket (79%)

• To avoid being involved in a crash (72%)

• Bad weather (60%)

The research also examined public support for ways to reduce speeding. Motorists showed strong support for increased police presence in areas with a history or potential for speed-related crashes. Roughly seven in 10 also supported automated speed cameras in those locations. Motorists were generally more supportive of technology that warns them when they’re speeding than systems that automatically restrict vehicle speed.

Choose speed based on the following.

• On the posted speed limit: Think of it as a benchmark for a safe and appropriate speed. The posted speed limit is the maximum, not the minimum speed you should be driving.

• Visibility: What motorists can see determines how much time they have to react.

• Road conditions: Weather and traction affect the ability to stop safely.

• Space around the vehicle: Don’t let surrounding traffic dictate speed; leave enough room to respond to the unexpected.

The full study and supporting materials are available from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s website.