NHTSA Launches Speeding Awareness Campaign

With millions of Americans expected to travel over the Independence Day weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching a nationwide campaign to combat a persistent and deadly threat: speeding.

Beginning Monday, NHTSA’s “Speeding Catches Up with You” campaign will run through the end of July, featuring a new public service announcement and high-visibility enforcement by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

The effort aims to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding, which contributed to 11,775 fatalities and an estimated 332,598 injuries in 2023, according to NHTSA.

“Speeding puts everyone at risk, and the consequences can be deadly,” said Peter Simshauser, NHTSA Chief Counsel, in a statement. “NHTSA’s latest campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of speeding, promote strong traffic safety laws and support law enforcement on our nation’s roads.”

Simshauser emphasized that while some drivers view speeding as harmless or believe they’re skilled enough to handle higher speeds, the risks are far greater than they realize.

“There is no excuse for speeding,” he said. “It reduces your reaction time, makes crashes more severe and endangers not just you, but everyone around you.”

In addition to television and digital ads, officers across the country will be cracking down on speeding drivers in high-risk areas. Officials say the campaign is especially critical during the summer, when traffic volumes rise and fatal crashes tend to increase.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration