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AAA Study: Most California Drivers Think Speeding is Normal

AAA Foundation research examines rising speeding trends and solutions to keep roads safe

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (August 18, 2026) — Although most California drivers recognize the importance of posted speed limits, many refuse to follow them, according to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS). One in three drivers admit to ignoring speed limits because they believe no one follows them. The study highlights growing concern over rising, unsafe speeding behavior.

The study found many drivers considered driving 10 mph over the speed limit as routine driving behavior. 

  • 54% of Californians surveyed said keeping up with traffic is safer than obeying limits (higher than the national rate (49%).) 
  • Some 35% classify themselves as "sometimes" speeders, compared to 30% nationwide. 
  • These attitudes carry deadly consequences, as speeding remains a factor in nearly 30% of traffic fatalities.

"The speed limit is there for everyone to get home safely," said Todd Burger, AAA Mountain West Group Chief Automotive Officer. "We’re calling on every motorist to choose to drive the speed limit. It's a life-saving decision that provides the space and time needed to react to the unexpected."

Understanding California Driver Behavior

According to the study, drivers believe speeding saves time. Many also view it as necessary for various situations, including:

  • To get around slow drivers (28%)
  • To avoid holding up traffic (24%)
  • To reach destinations faster (24%)

California drivers do slow down in specific scenarios, such as:

  • Avoid a speeding ticket (75%)
  • Avoiding an accident (72%)
  • Bad weather (55%)
  • Protecting other road users (50%)

Overwhelming Public Support for Speed Countermeasures 

California drivers expressed strong support for safety measures that encourage safer speeds and give drivers choices over those that physically force them to slow down:

  • Police Enforcement: 85% of California drivers support increased police presence in areas with a history or high potential for speed-related crashes.
  • Automated Speed Cameras: 74% support automated speed cameras in high-risk zones.
  • In-Vehicle Technology: Over half (54%) of California motorists support advisory Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) like dashboard alerts when exceeding limits. However, support drops sharply (22%) for technology that actively restricts speed without driver override.
  • Speed Bumps: Less than half (40%) support speed bumps in their own neighborhood.

AAA Arizona Champions Excessive Speeding Bill

In 2024, Arizona ranked second in the nation for fatal highway crashes, with speed contributing to nearly 34% of fatalities and 38% of injuries, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. To address this issue, AAA Arizona helped pass HB 2417. Signed into law by Governor Hobbs and taking effect in July 2027, the policy gives repeat excessive speeders the option to install Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) technology rather than face license suspension. ISA uses location data to prevent speeding while allowing a temporary 10 mph safety boost for emergency maneuvers.

AAA Shares Tips for Choosing a Safe Speed 

  1. The Posted Speed Limit is a benchmark for safety representing the maximum speed, not the minimum speed you should drive.
  2. Visibility: What you can see determines how much time you have to react.
  3. Road & Weather Conditions can affect your ability to stop safely.
  4. Space Around Your Vehicle: Leave yourself enough room to respond to the unexpected vs. letting traffic dictate your speed.

If you find yourself driving the speed limit while surrounding traffic speeds past:

  • Stay in the rightmost lane and avoid driving in the passing lane.
  • Maintain a steady, predictable speed.
  • Increase your following distance and monitor approaching vehicles from behind.

To read the complete research report and state-level data, visit the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Media Toolkit

Video soundbites are available and can be downloaded here. The spokesperson is Doug Johnson, AAA Mountain West Group.

About AAA Mountain West Group

For over a century, AAA Mountain West Group (MWG) has served as a mission-driven, member-centric organization.Guided by its mission of People Helping People and powered by 5,400 dedicated team members, MWG delivers exceptional roadside assistance, auto repair, travel planning, financial and insurance services, home security, and exclusive member discounts. With a vision focused on creating Members for Life, MWG guides Members through every stage of their journey, serving more than 6.9 million people throughout Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Most Trusted Companies in America, AAA has grown into one of the largest and most trusted membership organizations in North America. Learn more at mwg.aaa.com.

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