‘Speeding slows you down’ campaign aims to reduce accidents, save lives

State, local police taking part in nationwide anti-speed stepped-up enforcement, now through July 31

By THE TIMES NEWS STAFF

news@theeveningtimes.com

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Arkansas Highway Safety Office are teaming up with Arkansas law enforcement to keep everyone on the road safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and urging drivers to obey speed limits.

Through July 31, Arkansas State Police Troopers, city police and sheriff’s deputies will be stopping drivers that violate Arkansas speed limit laws and will be issuing tickets as part of the Speeding Slows You Down high-visibility enforcement campaign.

Speeding can have real consequences for not only your wallet, but for your safety as well. In 2022, there were 12,151 fatalities in speeding-related crashes nationwide, accounting for 29 percent of total traffic fatalities. Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially susceptible to high speeds, and they represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2022, 35 percent of male drivers and 19 percent of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding. Thirty-five percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were speeding. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 51 percent. NHTSA and Arkansas law enforcement officers remind drivers that, no matter how experienced you are as a driver, ultimately, Speeding Slows You Down.

“Speed limit signs are not suggestions. They are the law,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar. “They are posted for the safety of the driver and others in and around the roadway. Unfortunately, we see people speeding every day. If you’re killed in a crash, or if you kill someone else, there’s no second chance. Speeding is not worth the risk.”

Much like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that has deadly consequences for the driver, passengers, and other vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and bicyclists. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Even the safest cars with the newest technologies.