The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has rolled out its latest initiative, “Speeding Catches Up with You,” to remind motorists about the importance of reducing speed on the roads.
“Speeding accounts for nearly a third of all fatalities on our roads,” emphasized Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman. “While speeding may seem like the quick and easy option to make up some time when you’re running late, it puts you, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road in danger. This summer, and all year round, NHTSA urges drivers to slow down so everyone can arrive safely at their destination.”
On July 8, Shulman was at Chicago’s Navy Pier alongside Teri Gage, superintendent of the Pullman National Historical Park; Ross Chastain, NASCAR Cup Series driver; and Matthew Hamon, a survivor of a speed-related accident that claimed the lives of two of his friends. The event also featured a recorded message from Xavier Worthy of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. Together, they underscored the deadly risks of speeding and encouraged drivers to take it easy during the busy summer travel season.
Running until July 31, this campaign is backed by a $9.5 million national media investment, featuring ads in both English and Spanish across TV, radio, and digital platforms.
NHTSA shared statistics indicating a slight decline in fatalities from speed-related crashes in 2022, yet speeding was still a factor in 29% of all traffic deaths that year. In 2022, 12,151 lives were lost, and an estimated 300,595 people were injured in accidents involving speeding—a 3% and 9% decrease, respectively, from 2021 figures.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) emphasizes the importance of safer speeds. Earlier this year, the Department released its 2024 Progress Report, which provides updates two years after the original NRSS was published on January 27, 2022. The report details the Department’s ongoing efforts to tackle serious and fatal road injuries, including those caused by speeding, and highlights the progress made under the NRSS framework in 2023.
Notable actions in 2023 include:
- $1.7 billion allocated to enhance roadway safety at local, regional, and tribal levels through the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, benefiting over 1,000 communities and covering nearly 70% of the U.S. population.
- Fast-tracked rulemakings for automatic emergency braking systems in new passenger and heavy vehicles, including commercial trucks.
- Issuance of advance notice for proposed impaired-driving prevention technology standards aimed at curbing behaviors such as alcohol-impaired driving.
- Updated key road safety regulations, including the new edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and revised guidance encouraging states to improve safety for all road users through repaving and rehabilitation projects.
- Expanded support for the National Emergency Medical Services Information System, now accepting data from all 50 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia.
Over 160 organizations have joined as Allies in Action of the NRSS, including 36 state transportation agencies and safety offices. By raising awareness of the dangers of speeding and promoting safer driving behaviors, NHTSA hopes to make roads safer for everyone.
Source: The Trucker
