It’s the middle of vacation season, and it turns out that during the heatwave we tend to press the gas pedal harder in our vehicles. And this applies to both the largest 18-ton trucks and, unfortunately, much more often to passenger cars. Statistics confirming these trends have forced our leaders to act.
On July 8th, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the Department of Transportation launched a speeding prevention campaign under the slogan “Speeding Catches Up with You”.
The campaign will run until July 31st and is supported by $9.5 million for nationwide media, including English and Spanish-language television, radio, and various digital platform ads.
This action also had a Chicago accent, as NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman, Pullman National Historical Park Superintendent Teri Gage, NASCAR Cup Series driver Rosa Chastain, and Matthew Hammond, who survived a speeding accident that killed two of his friends, met at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago. During the event, a recording of NFL Kansas City Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy, made especially for the occasion, was also played. Together they highlighted the deadly consequences of speeding, and at the height of the holiday season encouraged drivers to slow down and enjoy the journey, not the constant racing on the roads.
According to NHTSA, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. Data for 2023 is not yet available, but it is speculated that, unfortunately, it will be higher than in the previous year. In 2022, excessive speed was responsible for 12,151 deaths, nearly a third of all road fatalities.
The speed at which we travel affects the safety of everyone on the road. Even if we are driving at the speed limit, but it is inappropriate for the prevailing road or weather conditions, when the road is under repair or at night, we still pose a threat.
Observing speed limits and adjusting them to the conditions is not only an obligation, but also the key to safe driving. Remember that our decisions on the road can have a huge impact on the lives and health of others.
Wishing you wide and safe roads from ALL ABOUT TRUCKS & TransLab!!!! We put Truckers first!!!
