A new study by AAA finds that many California drivers believe keeping up with traffic is safer than following posted speed limits, despite the role speeding plays in traffic collisions.
According to the study, 35% of California drivers describe themselves as “sometimes speeders,” compared with 30% of drivers nationwide. Many drivers surveyed said they consider driving 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit to be routine behavior.
The study also found that some drivers believe speeding is necessary in certain situations, including getting around slower drivers or avoiding a traffic backup. AAA said those perceptions can contribute to dangerous driving and increase the risk of injuries and fatalities.
AAA spokesperson Kandace Redd said that while California drivers generally recognize the importance of speed limits, many acknowledge that they do not always follow them because they believe other drivers are also exceeding the limits.
California officials are taking additional steps to address excessive speeding. The Department of Motor Vehicles has launched a program under which drivers cited for traveling more than 100 miles per hour are automatically referred to the DMV. Their licenses can be suspended or revoked, even if the citation is their first moving violation.
The policy has received support from some drivers who acknowledge that they sometimes speed, including those who believe particularly high speeds can become reckless.
AAA’s study also found broad support for measures aimed at reducing speeding. A majority of California drivers said they support increased police enforcement and automated speed cameras.
Support was lower for speed bumps. Only 40% of California drivers surveyed said they would support installing speed bumps in their own neighborhoods.