Road safety guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
The Dangers of Speeding: Facts and Safety Tips
Speeding is a factor in a large share of traffic deaths. Here is what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says about the risks, what drives speeding, and how to deal with speeders on the road.
The short answer
Speeding raises the risk of losing control of your vehicle, lengthens stopping distance, makes safety equipment less effective and makes crashes more severe. NHTSA reports 11,288 speeding-related deaths in 2024. Drive to conditions, not just the posted limit, and give speeders plenty of room.
Speeding by the numbers
NHTSA reports that 11,288 people died in speeding-related traffic deaths in 2024, and that speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities that year. For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities.
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Speeding-related deaths in 2024 | 11,288 |
| Share of 2024 traffic fatalities where speeding contributed | 29% |
| Speeding passenger vehicle drivers in 2024 fatal crashes who were not wearing seat belts | 50% |
| Men 15-20 who were driving, speeding and involved in 2024 fatal crashes | 39% |
Why speeding is dangerous
NHTSA says speeding is more than just breaking the law. It lists these consequences:
Loss of control
Greater potential for losing control of the vehicle.
Less protection
Occupant protection equipment works less effectively.
Longer stops
It takes more distance to stop after you see a danger.
Worse crashes
Crashes are more severe, leading to more severe injuries.
Higher costs
A speed-related crash has economic costs, and speeding burns more fuel.
Speed can be unsafe even at the posted limit. NHTSA notes that a legal speed can be too fast for conditions such as bad weather, road repair or poorly lit areas at night. And speeding endangers everyone around the speeder, including law enforcement officers. See our guide to safe following distance.
What drives speeding
NHTSA calls speeding a type of aggressive driving behavior and points to several factors:
- Traffic. Congestion is the factor mentioned most often. Drivers may respond by speeding, changing lanes often or getting angry.
- Running late. Some people drive aggressively when they are late for work, school, a meeting or another appointment.
- Anonymity. A car shields drivers and can make them feel detached from the people around them.
- Disregard for others and the law. NHTSA says aggressive episodes aren't normal for most drivers, but a small share drive this way habitually.
For Illinois' posted limits, see our Illinois speed limits guide.
How to handle speeders around you
- If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them by.
- Give speeding drivers plenty of space. NHTSA says they may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
- If a speeder tailgates you or pushes you toward risky driving, use good judgment and steer safely out of the way.
- Call the police if you believe a driver is following or harassing you.
More tips are in our guide to avoiding road rage.
Service at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Ford of Peoria is a new and used Ford dealership in Peoria, IL, with its own service department.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | No Sunday hours listed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, November 11, 2026.
Speeding FAQ
How many people die in speeding-related crashes?
NHTSA reports 11,288 speeding-related traffic deaths in 2024. Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities that year.
Can driving at the speed limit still be unsafe?
Yes. NHTSA says a speed can be too fast for conditions such as bad weather, road repair or poorly lit areas at night, even at the speed limit.
Why does speeding make crashes worse?
NHTSA says speeding increases stopping distance, reduces how well occupant protection equipment works, and increases crash severity and injuries.
What should I do if a speeder is behind me?
If you are in the left lane, move over and let them pass. Give speeding drivers plenty of space, and call the police if you believe a driver is following or harassing you.
Does speeding use more gas?
Yes. NHTSA lists increased fuel consumption and cost among the consequences of speeding.
More road safety guides
See our Illinois speed limits guide and how to avoid road rage.
Sources
Statistics, consequences, causes and tips are from NHTSA's Speeding page, read November 11, 2026. Always follow posted limits and Illinois law. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- NHTSA: Speeding, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), read November 11, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, November 11, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, November 11, 2026