Speeding is a choice that puts too many Arizona lives at risk

Maria Wojtczak

Submitted photo

Speeding doesn’t just affect the person behind the wheel. It endangers passengers, other drivers and pedestrians. It also increases wear and tear on vehicles, shortens reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Speeding can also lead to higher insurance rates, and even result in criminal charges when a crash causes serious harm or death.”

Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes in Arizona, but because it’s so common, it often goes unpunished and sometimes seen as normalized behavior. That needs to change.

The saying “speed kills” is a fact, and it is important to recognize that a driver is piloting what is essentially a two-ton death machine. Everyone who gets behind the wheel needs to know how to properly operate their vehicle, develop the necessary skills to navigate today’s uncertain roadways and understand how to apply the laws as well as the rules of the road.

In 2023, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported that speeding was a factor in 446 deaths and more than 20,000 injuries statewide. These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent real people whose lives were cut short or forever changed. They also highlight the severe consequences of exceeding speed limits and the urgent need to promote safer driving behaviors.​

In our work with new drivers, we talk a lot about the impact of speed. First and foremost, it’s the law, and speed laws are created for specific road situations and conditions. These aren’t arbitrary numbers posted on signs. They reflect how fast a driver can safely travel on a road given its design, traffic flow, visibility and other factors. I believe the more people know about the laws, the more likely they are to follow them.

One of the most dangerous attitudes we see, especially among teens, is the idea that it’s OK to speed just because other people are doing it. But it is never an excuse to “go faster” just because everyone else is speeding. I advise drivers to instead position themselves in the right or middle lanes and let those who feel the need to speed pass safely. This decision alone can help drivers out of dangerous situations and reduce stress while on the road.

Speeding doesn’t just affect the person behind the wheel. It endangers passengers, other drivers and pedestrians. It also increases wear and tear on vehicles, shortens reaction time and increases the severity of crashes. Speeding can also lead to higher insurance rates, and even result in criminal charges when a crash causes serious harm or death.

If we want to change these behaviors, it has to start with education and repetition, not just legislation. That means parents need to model safe behavior and talk to their teens about speeding and its consequences. Schools and driver education programs need to reinforce that driving is a huge responsibility and if not done properly, can result in dire consequences.

Communities also have to do their part to slow traffic down. It begins with awareness. They must find ways to discuss or remind people about the risks of speeding. Neighborhood watch groups can collaborate with local law enforcement to monitor common speeding zones, especially near parks, schools or residential streets. Digital speed signs, speed bumps and public awareness campaigns can help reinforce safe driving. Even a presence by law enforcement, occasional patrols in known trouble spots, can serve as a powerful deterrent.

There is no simple solution, and no one program or policy will eliminate speeding entirely. But if we want safer streets, we need to do a better job of educating drivers about what’s really at stake when they make the choice to speed, putting lives at risk. Let’s enforce our laws and hold drivers accountable. Slow down and save lives!

Editor’s note: Maria Wojtczak is the founder and owner of DrivingMBA, a driver training school with locations in Scottsdale and Glendale. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.