AAA study finds drivers normalize speeding but support enforcement

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that speeding has become normalized among drivers. Approximately 30% of drivers believe that no one follows the posted speed limit, and nearly half feel that matching the flow of traffic is safer than adhering to legal limits. While most respondents consider posted limits appropriate, many find driving 10 mph over the limit acceptable.

Key motivations for speeding include bypassing slower vehicles (31%), reaching destinations faster (25%), and avoiding holding up traffic (21%). Conversely, the primary reasons drivers slow down are to avoid tickets (79%), prevent crashes (72%), and respond to bad weather (60%).

Regarding enforcement, there is significant support for increased police presence in areas with a history or potential for speed-related crashes, with support levels at 87% and 88% respectively. About 70% of drivers also support the use of automated speed cameras. Drivers expressed a preference for advisory Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) systems that provide warnings rather than those that automatically restrict vehicle speed without an override option.