AAA of Kansas urges drivers to slow down.
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) -- AAA of Kansas urges drivers to slow down.
The organization says the number of deadly crashes continues to climb. Nationwide over the past 20 years, speeding has been a factor in about one-third of all fatal motor-vehicle crashes.
Kansas Department of Transportation data shows more than 52,000 speed-related crashes, resulting in 836 deaths and nearly 22,000 injuries on Kansas roads between 2013 and 2022. In 2022 alone there were 4,890 speed-related crashes, that resulted in 77 deaths and 1,460 injuries.
The highest number of crashes that resulted in deaths and injuries involved teens aged 15-19. Costs associated with speed-related crashes in Kansas approached nearly $2 billion.
“Too many drivers think speeding is harmless. They habitually drive above the posted speed limit and don’t see the dangers of speeding through red lights and crosswalks or racing past roadside workers,” says Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA Kansas. “But the lives lost due to speeding-related traffic crashes are a horrific reminder of what can result when motorists exchange safe driving for potentially reaching their destination a few minutes early. It can be a deadly and costly trade.”
AAA says part of the problem is drivers don't see speeding as dangerous. According to the organization's 2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index, drivers say things like running red lights or following too closely as dangerous, the majority did not see speeding as unsafe.
The organization says part of the reason for that may be connected to the pandemic. The International Institute of Highway Safety reports that speeding jumped by as much as 50% during the pandemic and has continued at a higher rate than pre-pandemic levels.
The Kansas Highway Patrol has taken to social media to address the issue of speeding. The department has been posting about excessive speeders regularly, most recently on Tuesday, they posted a picture of their radar showing a vehicle clocked at 107mph.
AAA says there are many factors that are likely contributing to speeding, including:
AAA says while you can slow down, you can't control other driver's behavior behind the wheel. However, you can take steps to keep another driver's speeding from affecting you:
“Speeding is considered a form of aggressive driving behavior. While habitual speeders may believe their actions are harmless, the number of lives lost each year from speeding-related crashes tells us otherwise,” says Steward. “Keep your focus on the road and the posted speed limit. Also, be sure you slow down further during inclement weather so you can safely control your vehicle when road surfaces and visibility are less than ideal.”
You can find more information on traffic safety from AAA by clicking here.