Draw the Line
We limit things in life for a reason. Fewer donuts mean a healthier waistline. Less screen time for kids means more focus on homework. But when it comes to driving, many treat the posted speed limit as a suggestion – not the law.
Speeding is risky and very dangerous. In fact, for more than two decades, speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. In 2023 alone, speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s 11,775 lives lost. And while that’s a 3.1% decrease in speed-related crash fatalities from the year before, it’s still far too many preventable tragedies.
Why Do People Speed?
Common reasons people cite for speeding:
- They’re running late
- They believe the posted limit is too low and assume going “just 5 over” isn’t a big deal
- They enjoy the thrill
- They have no fear of getting caught
But speeding endangers everyone on the road – drivers, passengers, pedestrians, road construction workers and first responders.
While speeding is risky for commuters and delivery drivers in normal conditions, speed becomes even more of a factor when conditions change. Even driving the speed limit could be too fast during times of inclement weather, road construction or low visibility.
Who’s Most at Risk?
- In 2023, a staggering 88% of all speed-related fatalities occurred on non-interstate roads, according to NHTSA
- Male drivers ages 15 to 24 were the most likely to be speeding (about 33%) at the time of fatal crashes in 2023, according to data analysis from the National Safety Council; by comparison, 18% of female drivers in the same age group were involved in fatal crashes
- 36% of all motorcycle riders in fatal crashes in 2023 were speeding, according to NHTSA; among those ages 21 to 24, that jumped to 54%
The Real Costs of Speeding
Speeding increases the risk of losing vehicle control, reduces the effectiveness of safety equipment, lengthens stopping distances and raises the likelihood of severe crash injuries. Speeding also can lead to serious financial consequences.
What can you do? Get free resources, help us create safer roads:
- NHTSA’s safety campaign in July: Speeding Catches Up with You.
- Watch/share this 30-second video: Look at the Damage.
Changing the Culture of Speed
Speeding is a form of aggressive driving often triggered by traffic congestion, tight schedules and the anonymity of being behind the wheel. We can all help by raising awareness, encouraging responsible driving habits and modeling safe behavior.
Let’s work together to make safety a priority – on and off the job. Slow down. Save lives.
Safer Today, Better Tomorrow
Summer brings longer days, more traffic – and more young drivers on the road. As teens transition from school to summer jobs, many find themselves behind the wheel as part of their work responsibilities. Whether they’re delivering food, driving work trucks, or transporting others, these young drivers – often without formal training or experience – face elevated crash risks.
Who Are These Young Drivers?
Teen and young adult workers commonly hold seasonal or part-time jobs that involve driving:
- Delivery drivers: Delivering everything from Uber Eats to packages
- Couriers: Responsible for same-day transport of packages or documents
- Camp counselors: Transporting campers via golf carts or vans
- Landscape laborers: Driving trucks and picking up materials or equipment
- Moving helpers: Operating vans or trucks for residential moves
- Farmworkers: Using trucks or machinery to transport crops or livestock
- Grocery delivery drivers: Delivering groceries to customers’ homes
Make the Connection at Work and Home
Safety professionals should consider two key groups:
- Teen drivers on the job: Are they trained, supervised and aware of the risks?
- Employees with young drivers at home: Are they reinforcing safe driving habits?
Encouraging conversations about driving safety at work can translate into safer choices on the road – especially during high-risk periods like summer when teen driver fatalities typically spike. Not sure where to start? Try these free resources:
Ohio Traffic Safety Office: Teach Your Teen to Drive
DriveitHOME: Posters, safety talks, infographics, social media videos and more from the National Safety Council
Practice Makes Driving Safer
Just like sports or music, safe driving requires hours of guided practice. Research shows teen drivers are safer when parents and mentors:
- Spend time driving with them in various conditions
- Provide clear, constructive feedback
- Reinforce safe habits like slowing down and staying focused
Keep Safety in Focus
To help teen drivers avoid crashes:
- Practice safe habits: Avoid speeding and distractions, especially phones
- Supervise and set rules: Night driving and passengers increase crash risk
- Plan ahead: Emphasize pre-trip planning and the importance of designated drivers
While teens are not legally allowed to drink in the U.S., National Safety Council research shows underage, impaired driving is a problem. More than 1,000 young drivers ages 15 to 20 tested positive for alcohol after being involved in fatal crashes in 2023.
Teen drivers learn with every mile. With the right support at work and at home, they can build safe driving habits that last a lifetime.
Seat Belt Use on the Rise
In 2024, seat belt use rates in Ohio edged up from 84.75% to 85.2%, according to a Statewide Observational Seatbelt Survey prepared by the University of Akron for the Ohio Department of Public Safety. While that’s still below the national average of 91.2%, the survey further highlights the effectiveness of Ohio’s participation in the annual Click It or Ticket campaign and law enforcement initiatives to increase restraint use.
Here are a few key takeaways:
- 344 locations were randomly selected in all 88 Ohio counties to observe drivers and passengers
- A total of 46,840 occupant observations were collected, 40,096 drivers and 6,119 passengers
- There was a 2.3% increase in seat belt use in the two weeks after the Click It or Ticket campaign
- Champaign County had the lowest overall compliance at 62%
- Hardin County had the highest overall compliance at 100% (only 79 observations)
- Montgomery County had the second-highest seat belt use rate at 99.7%
- Trucks had the lowest compliance rates of any vehicle type: 79.2% for heavy trucks and 82.5% for light trucks
Read/share the full report: Observational Survey of Seat Belt Use in Ohio.
Training That Delivers
Be among the first to check out our newly updated flagship curriculum – Our Driving Concern: Transportation Safety Training for the Workplace.
Register now to attend online: Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Participants will:
- Learn how to establish and sustain a company-wide traffic safety program
- Understand the true cost of crashes beyond the roadway, including legal fees, insurance premiums and staffing disruptions
- Explore strategies for identifying and addressing risky driving behaviors in the workplace
- Gain tools and resources to promote safer driving among employees, whether they drive as part of their job or commute to work
- Build knowledge of core traffic safety principles, including distracted driving, seat belt use, impairment and speeding
Who Should Attend
This training is ideal for human resources professionals, safety managers, supervisors, fleet managers, employee wellness coordinators and anyone responsible for workplace health and safety.
By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to drive change within their organization and reduce crash-related incidents and costs while keeping their workforce safe and productive.
See you Aug. 12!