Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
ATLANTA (August 18, 2026) — Speeding has become so common that many drivers consider going 10 mph over the posted speed limit acceptable, while nearly half believe keeping up with traffic is safer than obeying the speed limit, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The findings suggest many drivers no longer define speeding by the posted speed limit alone. Three in ten drivers agreed with the statement, “No one actually drives the speed limit,” highlighting how speeding has become normalized for many drivers.
Those attitudes come with real 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.”
Why Do Drivers Speed?
The study found drivers most often speed because they:
- Want to get around slower drivers (31%)
- Want to reach their destination faster (25%)
- Don’t want to hold up traffic (21%)
The study also found that many drivers don’t expect enforcement until they are traveling roughly 10 to 12 mph above the posted speed limit, which may help explain why so many view modest speeding as acceptable.
What Makes Drivers Slow Down?
The threat of a ticket is the strongest incentive for people to slow down. Drivers also said they are most likely to reduce their speed to:
- Avoid getting a ticket (79%)
- Avoid a crash (72%)
- Respond to bad weather (60%)
What Speed Enforcement Measures Do Drivers Support?
Despite growing acceptance of speeding, drivers overwhelmingly support targeted speed enforcement. Additionally:
- 87% support increased police presence in areas with a history of speed-related crashes
- 88% support increased enforcement in areas with the potential for speed-related crashes
- About seven in ten support automated speed enforcement cameras in those locations
Support drops, however, when measures take control away from the driver. While more than 90% believe speed humps are effective, fewer than half support installing them in their own neighborhoods. Drivers also favor warning systems that alert them when they’re speeding over technology that actively limits 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.”
What Should Drivers Do When Traffic Around Them is Speeding?
“There’s a lot of pressure to go with the flow of traffic, especially when everyone around you seems to be speeding,” Waiters said. “But safe driving isn’t about matching the fastest vehicle on the road. It’s about making sure you have enough time to see a problem, react, and avoid a crash.”
AAA recommends drivers choose their speed based on:
- The posted speed limit
- Visibility conditions
- Road and weather conditions
- The amount of space around their vehicle
If the surrounding traffic is moving faster than the speed limit:
- Stay in the right lane when possible
- Maintain a steady, predictable speed
- Increase following distance and monitor approaching vehicles
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
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