Pasadena Police motorcycle (File Photo – @pasadenapd)
Pasadena Police Department partners with NHTSA for “Speeding Catches Up With You” campaign, running from July 7 through July 31, 2025.
By News Desk
Each year, speeding-related crashes claim thousands of lives across the United States. In 2023 alone, speeding contributed to 11,775 fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While this marks a slight decrease from 2022, when there were 12,157 speeding-related fatalities, the number still underscores the persistent danger of reckless driving.
“Speeding is not just a violation; it’s an aggressive driving behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk,” said Lieutenant Anthony Russo of the Pasadena Police Department. “Whether you’re running late, trying to avoid traffic, or simply ignoring the speed limits, the consequences can be deadly.”
Speed limits are established through engineering assessments designed to reduce accidents and minimize the impact of crashes. Experts stress that speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react in time, leading to collisions that could otherwise be avoided. Lieutenant Russo compared the force of a speeding crash to falling from a multi-story building: “Every 10 miles per hour represents the force of one or multiple stories falling. That’s how devastating speeding can be.”
The “Speeding Catches Up With You” campaign also highlights high-risk groups, such as young drivers and motorcyclists. In 2023, 37% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding. Among motorcyclists, 36% of those involved in fatal crashes were speeding, with the rate climbing to 51% for riders aged 21 to 24.
NHTSA emphasizes that speeding doesn’t just endanger the driver—it puts passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users at serious risk. The responsibility to maintain safe road conditions is shared by everyone behind the wheel.
“Obeying the speed limit is a simple but effective way to prevent fatalities and injuries on our roads,” Russo added. “By slowing down, we’re all making the right choice.”
The “Speeding Catches Up With You” initiative is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, via NHTSA. For more information on speeding prevention, visit this link.
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