Why Speed Limits?

Speed limits are in place for a reason—to keep us all safe. Whether you’re driving through neighborhoods, near schools, or just on your daily commute, slowing down can make all the difference. It’s not just about avoiding a ticket—it’s about protecting pedestrians, especially children, and ensuring that everyone on the road is safe.

The Danger of Speeding

The faster a vehicle moves, the higher the risk of crashes and the more severe the injuries will be. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the outcome is largely dependent on speed:

• At 20 mph – Only 5% of pedestrians are killed, and many suffer no injuries at all.
• At 30 mph – 45% of pedestrians are killed, with many others seriously injured.
• At 40 mph – 85% of pedestrians are killed.

Children, in particular, are vulnerable due to their size, inability to judge speed, and a general lack of understanding of traffic dangers. It’s important to be extra cautious around areas where kids are likely to be, like playgrounds, schools, and residential streets.

Speeding Costs You More Than You Think

Not only does speeding endanger lives, but it also comes with financial consequences. Speeding violations can lead to hefty fines and points on your driving record:

• 1-10 mph over limit – $83.80, 3 points
• 11-15 mph over limit – $83.80, 4 points
• 16-19 mph over limit – $109.00, 4 points
• 20-24 mph over limit – $134.20, 6 points
• 25-29 mph over limit – $159.40, 6 points
• 30-34 mph over limit – $203.50, 6 points
• 35-39 mph over limit – $266.50, 6 points
• 40 mph over limit – $361.00, 6 points
• 45+ mph over limit – $424.00, 6 points

Speeding in school zones comes with its own set of fines, which are higher than regular violations to ensure extra protection for children.

Stopping Distance: How Speed Affects Your Ability to Stop

One of the most important factors in avoiding an accident is the ability to stop in time. The faster you’re going, the longer it takes to stop:

• At 20 mph – It takes 62 feet to stop.
• At 30 mph – 108 feet.
• At 40 mph – 164 feet.
• At 50 mph – 230 feet.

This means that if you’re speeding, you may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident, especially in situations where pedestrians or other vehicles are present.

Help Keep Our Streets Safe

By sticking to posted speed limits, we can all contribute to making our roads safer. Slow down, be aware of your surroundings, and remember that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly. Let’s work together to protect our community.

If you’d like to help make your neighborhood safer, you can request a speed display board by contacting your local Community Liaison Officer.