It may come as no surprise that there was less car traffic in 2020 when compared to 2019. The coronavirus pandemic led many workers and students to stay home more and drive less.  

As of September, street traffic volume had dropped by 14.5% in 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration. But as survey data shows, some drivers have used the lighter traffic as a green light to speed more often. 

Carinsurance.com finds that 28% of poll respondents have noticed higher road speeds since the pandemic. The study also identifies the most frequent excuses for speeding after being stopped by police. Note that poll respond could provide more than one excuse.

The most common speeding excuses include: 

• 32% claim they didn’t realize they were speeding. 
• 20% say they are late for work. 
• 20% tell police there is a medical emergency. 

• 17% say they must use the bathroom. 
• 17% say they didn’t see the speed limit sign. 

Men or Women: Who Gets Stopped More for Speeding? 

While 21% of male respondents said police have never pulled them over for speeding, 37% of female drivers say they’ve never been pulled over. 

Men (26%) claim to avoid speeding tickets more often than women (19%) by offering an excuse. 

Why Do Drivers Speed? 

The survey also asked respondents why they speed, finding that the top excuse is “everyone else does” at 48%. Other common reasons were “to arrive on time” and “because the speed limits are too low.” 

Some respondents also saw clear weather as an excuse to speed, with 41% claiming that it’s OK to speed on a sunny day with dry roads.  

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The Dangers of Speeding 

AAA data shows that speeding is involved in about 13% of all crashes — and 33% of all fatal crashes. Speeding increases the risk of a crash because there is less time and distance available to respond. Our reaction times – about 1 second for most drivers – don’t speed up just because we are going faster. 

When considering the risk to reward equation, speeding isn’t worth it. You would have to travel 100 miles to save roughly five minutes, moving at 75 mph instead of 70 mph. 

Related: Is Raising the Speed Limit Worth The Risk?

 

Speeding and Car Insurance 

Not only is speeding dangerous, it can also be expensive. A speeding ticket can increase your insurance rate by 13%, according to Insurance.com. If a speeding ticket impacts your insurance rate, consider AAA’s Defensive Driving Course, which can qualify you for up to 10% off your auto insurance. 

Also, shopping for a new insurer may help you lower your rates. AAA’s insurance agents can help you pinpoint the best policy for you based on your needs and driving record.

 

Get a quote fast at AAA.com/Insurance.

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