Crashes Happen Across The Country, With Some Roads Featuring More Crashes Than Others: But Why The Differential?
In 2023, there were 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities on U.S. roads, with 11,775 (29%) caused by speeding. That’s 32 people a day dying due to reckless driving.
This study will uncover where the highest percentage of those fatalities occur, and look at which driving age ranges are most responsible. We’ll also offer some suggestions on ways to save needlessly lost lives.
Speeding Fatalities: Who’s Crashing Most, And Where
Speeding has been a major factor in American motor vehicle accidents for over 20 years. Study data tells us that 9 out of 10 drivers admit to speeding. The same drivers also believe that speeding is the ‘safest’ traffic violation, despite it being a major factor when it comes to motor vehicle fatalities.
But who is behind the wheel when a speeding accident kills?
Speeding Fatalities By Gender
According to gender-related data, men are significantly more likely to be killed in speeding-related crashes than women, accounting for approximately 74.9% of all speeding fatalities, with speeding most common amongst males under the age of 30. On the other hand, women represent just 25.1% of the share.
This large disparity is consistent with broader traffic safety research, which has repeatedly shown that men (especially younger men) are more likely to engage in reckless and aggressive driving behavior such as speeding.
This goes beyond biology and into the realm of cultural conditioning and stereotypical gender expectations, with reckless driving often synonymous with notions around ‘masculinity’. Inevitably, aggressive behavior on the road increases the likelihood of fatalities.
The emphatic statistical findings reinforce the need for targeted interventions, better and more wide-reaching awareness campaigns, and male-focused enforcement and education efforts, with particular focus on younger drivers.
Fatalities By Age Group
According to 2023 study data, individuals aged 25–34 suffered the highest number of speeding-related fatalities. The gap between this age group and all others suggests they’re the most at-risk age group when it comes to speeding.
Here’s the breakdown of age ranges and attributed speeding-related fatalities.
The second-ranked position of the 45–64 age group shows how badly speeding-related crashes affect middle-aged drivers. This is probably due to two primary factors – longer-than-average commutes and overconfidence behind the wheel.
Though there are other factors in play, such as work/life balance stresses leading to impatient and risky driving habits, and the fact that 45-64-year-old drivers are more likely to drive newer, faster vehicles than most other age groups.
Study data also shows a sharp dropoff in numbers for 65+ drivers, who suffer the fewest deaths (less than half of the 25-34 numbers), which reflects cautious driving habits and reduced time on the road. Overall, the figures tell us that speeding isn’t just a young driver issue, with middle-aged drivers also driving very dangerously.
The States That Feature The Most Speeding-Related Fatalities
State Speeding Fatality Data
According to state-by-state data, large, highly populous states like Texas (1,415 deaths) and California (1,243 deaths) lead the nation in speeding-related fatality numbers. However, it isn’t just a matter of population size: the statistics also reflect state driving cultures, road infrastructure, and varying enforcement levels.
States like North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Illinois also rank high, suggesting regional trends where speeding is less stigmatised and punitive speeding measures are less strictly enforced.
And many states with high fatality numbers, like Missouri and Georgia, feature long rural highways and sprawling metro areas, both of which can encourage speeding.
Regional Speeding Fatality Data
According to regional data, the South is by far the most impacted region in the U.S., with nearly 5,000 speeding-related deaths in 2023, significantly more than any other region.
This differential can be attributed to many factors, including longer rural road stretches, less stringent enforcement in some states, and higher speed limits in certain areas.
As you can see from the regional speeding fatalities count, the South dominates.
- The South → 4,999
- The West → 2,883
- The Midwest → 2,095
- The Northeast → 1,322
The West – though far behind the South, ranks second, with states like Texas, California, and Arizona contributing significantly to its high total.
These three states in particular are known for sprawling metropolitan areas, high traffic volumes, and lengthy highway systems, all of which can increase the likelihood of speeding incidents.
The Midwest – which features a number of open roadways and plenty of urban congestion – suffered a comparatively moderate level of speeding deaths. While the Northeast – with its dense urban infrastructure, strict traffic laws, and high public transit usage – has the lowest number of fatalities.
Nationwide Speed Limits
Speed limits across the U.S. vary depending on location, road type, and state law differentials, all of which make it difficult to pin down a single national average. However, we can still see some clear patterns by looking at road types.
Rural Interstates
Most states set speed limits between 65 and 75 mph, although several Western states feature an 80 mph limit, with one Texan stretch permitting an 85 mph top speed, the highest on U.S. roads.
Urban Interstates
These tend to be relatively modest due to traffic congestion and population density, typically between 55 and 65 mph.
Non-Interstate Roads
Speed limits on highways, local roads, and suburban routes generally range between 25 and 55 mph, depending on whether an area is residential, commercial, or school-zoned.
Generally, while there’s no universal speed limit, most rural and interstate drivers observe speeds between 65 and 75 mph. Urban roads and smaller highways observe more conservative limits to accommodate pedestrians, uneven traffic flow, and city infrastructure.
Highest national speed limits
Texas
Texas features the nation’s highest speed limit (85 mph), specifically on a stretch of State Highway 130 (SH 130), a toll road that bypasses Austin.
Utah
Utah allows speed limits up to 80 mph on some rural interstates, following engineering and safety assessments.
Wyoming
Wyoming permits 80 mph speed limits on designated stretches of its rural interstate highways.
South Dakota
South Dakota features 80 mph speed limits on specific rural interstate sections.
Nevada
Nevada features 80 mph speed limits on some parts of its rural interstate highways.
Such comparatively high speed allowances are usually found in less densely populated areas featuring long stretches of open highway, where higher speeds are comparatively safe (based on traffic studies and road design).
Nearly half of drivers (49%) admit to speeding by driving 15 mph or more above the limit on freeways, while 35% of drivers admit that they’ve gone at least 10 mph above the limit on residential streets.
23.7% of fatal crashes occur at 55 mph; a slightly lower percentage (22.7%) of fatal crashes happen at 60 mph and above.
Study data confirms that weekends represent the two deadliest days for speeding-related crashes. Saturday features the highest number of speeding fatalities, with Sunday not far behind. This aligns with typical weekend habits: late-night driving, recreational (and often long, fatigued) travel, high alcohol consumption, and less observance of traffic laws.
Fridays also show an elevated risk, likely due to their proximity to the weekend, and a prevalence of social activities and evening commutes.
In contrast, Tuesday features the fewest speeding-related deaths, with Monday and Wednesday close behind. All three are typical workdays with routine traffic patterns and less recreational driving, with both factors contributing to safer driving behavior.
Popular Brands Dominate Speeding Death Brand Data
Chevrolet (1,268 speeding fatalities), Ford (1,112), Honda (954), and Toyota (761) top the speeding fatalities list. This is perhaps unsurprising: these brands are also among the most popular vehicles in the U.S., which means more vehicles on the road, and therefore more opportunities for incidents.
And beyond general popularity, these brands also feature models commonly associated with young or testosterone-fueled drivers, like the Ford Mustang and Honda Civic.
Motorcycles are Prominent When It Comes to Speeding Fatalities
Harley-Davidson (633 speeding fatalities), Yamaha (398), Kawasaki (357), and Suzuki (348) are all in the top 11 vehicles involved in speeding fatalities, despite there being far fewer motorcycles than cars on the road.
This emphasises two key points: the danger of extreme speed (many of the models are high-performance vehicles), and the risk of minimal protection during an accident.
Speeding Dangers – and How To Limit Them
Driving too fast reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, increases stopping distance, and exacerbates crash and injury severity. A vehicle traveling at 55 mph needs about 265 feet to stop – almost the length of a football field.
Driving too fast can also make it harder to avoid vehicles or pedestrians, who also have less time to get out of harm’s way.
The number of speeding casualties on American roads is not inevitable, and the right level of enforcement can make a huge difference. Since 2010, Georgia state has carried a ‘super speeder’ bill that adds $200 to any state fines already owed for driving over 75 mph on two-lane roads, or over 85 mph on any road throughout the state.
Non-payment of the $200 fine after 120 days results in a suspended license, while all collected money goes toward trauma care and emergency services. States without such a deterrent, particularly those near the top of the speeding fatalities list, would surely benefit from the introduction of a similar scheme.
And enforcement aside, drivers of all ages can take it upon themselves to reduce fatality numbers by planning extra travel time, observing speed limits, and deciding against aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic.
Technology can also play a significant role: features like Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), speed-limit alert apps, and even cruise control can keep drivers out of trouble. Communities that have implemented speed cameras and pushed public education campaigns have also managed to effect a measurable drop in fatal crashes.
Ultimately, getting speeding fatality numbers down is a shared responsibility, but the simple choice to ease down on the accelerator could save your or someone else’s life.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re car accident and injury experts. Get in touch with us today for more information – we will fight until you get the money you deserve!
