AAA study examines growing acceptance of speeding; public support for countermeasures <\/p>\n
While most drivers agreed that posted speed limits are appropriate, many also considered driving 10 mph over the limit acceptable, and nearly half believed keeping up with traffic is safer than obeying the posted limit.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one actually drives the speed limit,\u201d a AAA study shows.<\/p>\n
Three in ten drivers agreed with that statement in a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS), highlighting how speeding has become normalized on today\u2019s roads.<\/p>\n
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a factor in nearly 30% of traffic fatalities in 2024. <\/p>\n
\u201cFindings from this research show that some drivers in the United States view speeding as a normal part of driving,\u201d said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. \u201cWhen people take cues from surrounding traffic instead of following posted speed limits, it creates a culture that makes crashes more difficult to prevent and roads less safe for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The findings suggest many drivers aren\u2019t speeding simply to save time, they\u2019re often convincing themselves that speeding is the right choice for the situation.<\/p>\n
Drivers\u2019 top reasons for speeding:<\/p>\n
\u2022 To get around slower drivers (31%)<\/p>\n
\u2022 To reach their destination faster (25%)<\/p>\n
\u2022 To avoid holding up traffic (21%)<\/p>\n
Drivers\u2019 top reasons to slow down:<\/p>\n
\u2022 To avoid getting a ticket (79%)<\/p>\n
\u2022 To avoid being involved in a crash (72%)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Bad weather (60%)<\/p>\n
The report also found that drivers generally prefer countermeasures that encourage safer speeds over those that physically force them to slow down. Drivers expressed strong support for increased police presence in areas with a history (87%) or potential (88%) for speed-related crashes, and roughly seven in 10 supported automated speed cameras in those locations.<\/p>\n
Drivers also viewed advisory Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), in-vehicle warnings or alerts when a driver exceeds the speed limit, more favorably than technology that automatically limits vehicle speed.<\/p>\n
Support declined for counter-measures that remove driver choice. Although more than nine in 10 drivers believed speed humps are effective, fewer than half supported installing them in their own neighborhoods. Support for ISA decreased as the technology became more restrictive.<\/p>\n
Educational Gratuity Program expanding support for children of Pa.\u2019s veterans<\/p>\n
An additional $50,000 in funding has been secured in the 2026-27 budget to further expand the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Educational Gratuity Program \u2014 providing more support to the children of Pennsylvania\u2019s veterans.<\/p>\n
This the second year the Shapiro administration has increased the initiative\u2019s budget, supporting the increasing demand for the program. Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s 2025-26 budget increased available funding from $320K to $350K, representing a nearly 10% expansion of the program. The 2026-27 budget provides an additional 15% increase.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese grants can help to alleviate the financial burden families face when their children graduate from high school and look toward higher education,\u201d said Pennsylvania\u2019s adjutant general and head of the DMVA Maj. Gen. John Pippy. \u201cDMVA strongly encourages eligible families to apply now for assistance this upcoming semester. Your sacrifices have been immense and this is one way for Pennsylvania to show its continued honor and support of your family.\u201d<\/p>\n
The initiative, which stands as one of DMVA\u2019s most impactful, provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged wartime veterans who have service-connected total and permanent disability, or children of veterans who died in service during a period of war or armed conflict. The program has assisted nearly 1,200 students since the Fall of 2015.<\/p>\n
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