New AAA study shows speed is the most admitted-to risky driving behavior

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A new report by AAA shows that American drivers are “addicted” to speeding.

In 2021, the most recent federal data, 29% of fatal crashes nationwide and 32% of fatal crashes in Rhode Island were speeding-related.

“We have seen an increase in crashes and fatalities nationally and locally and it has really accelerated since the pandemic; speeding is a big factor,” AAA Northeast spokesperson Mark Scheildrop said.

AAA reported more than half of people surveyed admitted to risky driving behaviors like speeding and that there has been a change in people’s actions since the pandemic, which has contributed to dangerous patterns on the roads.

“This year reflects a change in attitudes,” Scheildrop said. “Fewer people recognize the danger of speeding, they think that it is not that dangerous to drive 15 mph over the speed limit on the highway, which in many areas in Rhode Island is 80 mph.”

AAA said despite doubt from drivers, the solution starts with the person behind the wheel.

“You are one of many people, you are the traffic. There is nothing special about you on the roadway,” Scheildrop said. “Once you accept that and try and adjust your driving to follow that philosophy, driving is a lot less stressful and if everybody did that, traffic will flow really well.”