AAA of Kansas warns 'Speed Kills'

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:

• Changes in driving behaviors. As noted previously, several poor driving behaviors, including speeding, became more common during the pandemic, when fewer drivers were on the road. Unfortunately, those bad behaviors continue today.
• Running late. Drivers often excuse their behavior with the excuse that they have a long list of places to go and are running late to their next appointment or activity, so they speed to “make up the time.” In reality, they are likely only to shave off a few minutes before reaching their destination.
• Anonymity. In vehicles, some drivers feel detached from the outside world. This can leave them less concerned with the safety of others and overconfident in their driving skills.
• Traffic congestion. Everyone finds them annoying, but some drivers become angry, leading to aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, tailgating, and abrupt lane changes.
• Disregard for the law. As human behaviors behind the wheel continue to evolve, it can become more commonplace to have less regard for law enforcement and fellow citizens, as drivers “look out for number one.”

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:

• Let the vehicle pass: It isn’t your job to police other drivers. If you are in the left lane and a vehicle is tailgating you, move over when safe to do so and let them pass.
• Give speeding drivers plenty of space: Give speeding drivers plenty of room because they can lose control of their vehicle more easily, potentially striking other vehicles and pedestrians.
• Adjust your driving accordingly: If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, safely steer your vehicle out of the way and let the other driver move on.
• Call 911 if you’re threatened: If a driver threatens or attacks you, call 911 immediately. As with any aggressive driving situation, do not make eye contact or engage in any way. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, convenience store, or other public location with witnesses. Never drive home with an aggressor following 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.