Though speeding-related traffic fatalities fell in the most recent data year available, the proportion of them among overall road deaths rose along with related injuries.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the figures this week as it announced a new “Speeding Catches Up With You” prevention campaign.
In 2023, fatalities tied to speeding fell 3% to nearly 12,000, but the proportion of overall traffic deaths that were speed-related rose by a percentage point to 29%.
Meanwhile, the estimated injuries resulting from crashes involving speed rose 11% to nearly 333,000, or 14% of all crash injuries.
Speed-related traffic deaths have jumped 27% since 2014, according to the federal transportation department agency.
It said drivers involved in fatal crashes were more likely to have been in earlier crashes, had their licenses suspended or revoked, and had speeding or DUI convictions than did nonspeeding drivers. It found that alcohol impairment was also more common among speeders in deadly crashes and that motorcyclists were more likely speeding – 36% – than other drivers.
