HOPE — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration reminds drivers that speeding has legal consequences. As part of the Speeding
Slows You Down high-visibility enforcement campaign, drivers will see more law enforcement
on the roads.
Speeding-related fatalities affect communities nationwide every year. In 2024, there were 11,288
speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities. Young drivers have a
higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39% of male drivers and
20% of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were
speeding.
Speeding is an aggressive and deadly behavior. It reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around
another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Speed limits are in place to keep all
road users safe. Every mile per hour over the limit increases the risk of a crash and the severity
of injuries. Violating the speed limit and driving too fast for road conditions endangers everyone
on the road. No excuse — lateness, traffic, or otherwise — makes it okay.
The consequences of speeding can lead to a costly ticket, potential jail time, or worse, a crash
resulting in injuries or death.
Drivers in Hope should be especially aware of this campaign and their speed. Local roads
are where most of our speeding-related crashes occur. All drivers and riders are on notice: slow
down and obey the posted speed limits. It’s the law, and it saves lives.
For more information on speeding, visit NHTSA.gov/Speeding.