Every day in America, 32 lives are lost to speeding. In 2023 alone, speeding claimed 11,775 lives, contributing to 29% of the nation’s 40,901 traffic deaths. These aren’t just numbers — they’re preventable tragedies, often occurring on roads we use every day.
A new report by John Foy & Associates explores the age groups, states, vehicles, and days of the week most associated with speeding-related fatalities. The findings uncover troubling patterns and highlight urgent opportunities for prevention, policy reform, and public education.
Speeding Fatalities: A Crisis in Motion
Speeding isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a deadly one. Though it’s often seen as a “minor” violation, speeding dramatically increases both crash risk and crash severity. Shockingly, 9 in 10 American drivers admit to speeding, and many falsely believe it’s the safest traffic offense. But when 1 in 3 traffic deaths involve speed, it’s clear: we’re underestimating the danger.
Drivers Most at Risk: Young, Male, and Moving Too Fast
Men: 3 in 4 Speeding Fatalities
Male drivers account for nearly 75% of all speeding deaths, and men under 30 lead the pack. Social norms around masculinity — including ideas of dominance, aggression, and control – may play a role in encouraging riskier behavior behind the wheel.
In contrast, women account for just 25.1% of speeding-related deaths. The stark gender gap points to a need for male-targeted traffic education, early intervention programs, and campaigns that challenge dangerous stereotypes.
Age Breakdown: The Dangerous Peak
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25–34-year-olds suffer the most speeding-related fatalities.
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45–64-year-olds come next, highlighting that middle-aged drivers aren’t immune — long commutes, newer vehicles, and life stressors may play a role.
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65+ drivers see significantly fewer deaths, likely due to more cautious driving and fewer miles on the road.
The Deadliest States and Regions for Speeding
Regional Rankings: The South Takes the Lead
The Southern U.S. saw 4,999 deaths tied to speeding in 2023 — more than any other region. Factors like wide-open highways, lax enforcement, and high-speed zones contribute to this disproportionate impact.
Regional speeding death breakdown:
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South: 4,999
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West: 2,883
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Midwest: 2,095
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Northeast: 1,322
Top states for speeding fatalities:
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Texas: 1,415
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California: 1,243
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North Carolina, Georgia, and Missouri also report alarming numbers.
Weekends Are the Most Dangerous Time to Be on the Road
Data shows that Saturday is the deadliest day for speeding-related crashes, followed closely by Sunday. The reasons are clear: weekend travel, late-night driving, alcohol use, and fewer traffic patrols.
Conversely, Tuesday is the safest, followed by Monday and Wednesday, where traffic patterns are more predictable, and recreational driving is less common.
Vehicles Most Involved in Speeding Deaths
It’s not just about who’s driving — it’s also what they’re driving.
Top Car Brands in Fatal Crashes
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Chevrolet: 1,268 deaths
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Ford: 1,112
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Honda: 954
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Toyota: 761
These brands dominate U.S. sales, but some models — like the Mustang, Civic, and Camaro — are also tied to younger, high-risk drivers.
Motorcycles: Fewer on the Road, More in the Stats
Despite representing a small fraction of vehicles, motorcycles account for a disproportionately high number of speeding deaths:
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Harley-Davidson: 633 fatalities
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Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki round out the top 11 most involved brands
This highlights two key dangers: high performance + minimal protection = fatal consequences.
Speed Limit Disparities Across the Nation
U.S. speed limits vary by state and road type:
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Rural interstates: 65–80 mph (Texas hits 85 mph on SH 130)
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Urban interstates: 55–65 mph
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Local/suburban roads: 25–55 mph
States like Utah, South Dakota, Nevada, and Wyoming allow 80 mph on select highways — a reflection of road design, but also a risk multiplier when drivers exceed even those limits.
Nearly 24% of fatal crashes happen at 55 mph, while 22.7% occur at 60 mph or higher.
Policy in Action: How Georgia’s “Super Speeder” Law Saves Lives
Georgia introduced a “Super Speeder” law that adds a $200 fine to anyone clocked at:
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75+ mph on two-lane roads, or
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85+ mph anywhere in the state
Failure to pay leads to license suspension, and the extra fines go directly toward trauma care. It’s a simple policy that makes an impact, and other states should take notice.
A Shared Responsibility to Slow Down
Speeding doesn’t just risk your life; it risks everyone’s. Drivers can make a difference by:
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Planning ahead and avoiding rushed travel
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Using cruise control and speed-alert technology
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Avoiding risky maneuvers like tailgating or weaving
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Choosing safer vehicles with modern safety features
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Encouraging local policy changes and enforcement
Legal Help After a Crash: John Foy & Associates Is On Your Side
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a speeding-related crash, John Foy & Associates is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
