AAA Foundation Study examines the growing acceptance of speeding and public support for speeding countermeasures.
Aug 20, 2026 | Traffic Safety
VOORHEES, N.J. (August 20, 2026) – "No one actually drives the speed limit." Three in ten drivers agreed with that statement in a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS), highlighting how speeding has become normalized on today’s roads.
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.
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.
"Findings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving," said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "When people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.”
The findings suggest many drivers aren't speeding simply to save time — they're often convincing themselves that speeding is the right choice for the situation.
Drivers' top reasons for speeding:
Drivers' top reasons to slow down:
The report also found that drivers generally prefer countermeasures that encourage safer speeds over those that physically force them to slow down. Drivers expressed strong support for increased police presence in areas with a history (87%) or potential (88%) for speed-related crashes, and roughly seven in ten supported automated speed cameras in those locations. Drivers also viewed advisory Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) – in-vehicle warnings or alerts when a driver exceeds the speed limit – more favorably than technology that automatically limits vehicle speed.
Support declined for countermeasures that remove driver choice. Although more than nine in ten drivers believed speed humps are effective, fewer than half supported installing them in their own neighborhoods. Support for ISA decreased as the technology became more restrictive, i.e. if the driver could not override the system.
"There is no silver bullet for addressing traffic safety risks caused by speeding," Dr. Yang said. "Understanding which strategies drivers are most willing to adopt can help policymakers and safety professionals develop interventions that are both effective and publicly acceptable."
Changing attitudes around speeding will take time, but drivers can make a difference now by making safe speed choices each time they get behind the wheel.
"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."
Choose your speed based on:
If you find yourself driving the speed limit while everyone around you is speeding,
New Jersey drivers’ attitudes toward speeding were mostly identical to drivers’ nationally but for two areas of significance (greater than 5% difference).
15% of Garden State drivers identified as non-speeders – compared to 21% nationally. At the other end of the spectrum, 23% of New Jersey drivers said they were frequent speeders – compared to 15% nationally.
To read the report and supporting materials, visit the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's website.
About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, publicly supported charitable research and education organization. It was founded in 1947 by the American Automobile Association to conduct research to address growing highway safety issues. The organization’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems, foster research that seeks solutions, and disseminate information and educational materials. AAA Foundation funding comes from voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from motor clubs associated with the American Automobile Association and the Canadian Automobile Association, individual AAA club members, insurance companies and other individuals or groups.
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.