Speeding has always been a dangerous issue on America’s roads and some states struggle more than others when it comes to reckless drivers always pushing the limits of safety. Thanks to wide-open highways, congested cities, and sometimes a mix of both, the following 18 states have developed serious reputations for their speeding problems.
Texas
Few states are as notorious for speeding as Texas, and thanks to its vast network of highways and long stretches of open road, it’s easy for drivers to push the speedometer higher than they should. Unfortunately, this often leads to serious consequences, with Texas consistently ranking among the states with the highest number of speeding-related fatalities.
Areas like Dallas and Houston see their fair share of reckless drivers, but rural highways also pose a significant risk due to higher speeds and fewer enforcement officers.
California
In California, speeding is a major issue, particularly in densely populated areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where traffic congestion doesn’t stop some drivers from weaving dangerously through cars at high speeds.
With the state’s long stretches of freeways, such as the I-5 and I-10, drivers are tempted to exceed speed limits once they clear the cities.
Georgia
It comes as no surprise that Georgia struggles with its fair share of speeding problems, especially on its major highways. Drivers in and around Atlanta are notorious for treating highways like racetracks, darting between lanes and ignoring speed limits.
Florida
Highways in Florida are a magnet for speeding, with drivers often pushing well beyond speed limits. Popular routes commonly see frequent speeding violations, and the flat, open roads make it easy for drivers to accelerate unchecked.
Nevada
Long, open highways in Nevada tempt drivers to hit higher speeds than they should. The state’s reputation for wide desert stretches and minimal traffic enforcement makes it a hotspot for reckless driving.
While Nevada’s highway patrol keeps a close eye on speeders, the sheer size of the state’s road network makes it hard to catch everyone.
Arizona
The state’s wide roads create an environment where speeding is all too common, meaning high speeds are a leading cause of accidents. Urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson also see their share of high-speed crashes, especially during rush hour when drivers lose patience.
Colorado
Beautiful views and long stretches of road in Colorado sometimes lead drivers to speed. Highways like I-70 are often the site of reckless driving, with drivers ignoring limits and creating dangerous conditions, particularly in bad weather. The mix of locals and tourists, some of whom aren’t familiar with mountain driving, adds to the issue.
Illinois
Speeding problems in Illinois are most prominent in and around Chicago and highways like I-90 and I-55 are well-known for drivers exceeding speed limits, sometimes by significant margins.
But suburban roads and smaller highways also see their share of speeders and state law enforcement regularly sets up speed traps and patrols highways to address the problem. Even with these proactive measures, speeding remains a leading cause of accidents in the state.
Pennsylvania
Major routes in Pennsylvania, like the Pennsylvania Turnpike, are hotspots for speeding violations. Drivers often ignore posted speed limits in their rush to reach destinations, leading to frequent accidents. Cities such as Philadelphia experiences a variety of traffic challenges, with some drivers weaving dangerously through city streets at high speeds.
New York
Fast-paced driving in New York isn’t just limited to the city that never sleeps. Upstate highways see plenty of speeding violations, with reckless drivers constantly creating unsafe conditions.
While traffic congestion in New York City keeps speeds lower, suburban and rural highways tell a different story. Enforcement varies depending on the region, but state police work tirelessly to crack down on speeders.
Michigan
Aggressive drivers, particularly around Detroit, are known for pushing speed limits and creating unsafe conditions. Michigan’s unpredictable weather makes the problem even worse, as icy and snowy roads lead to more severe accidents when drivers don’t slow down.
The mix of fast-moving traffic and challenging weather conditions keeps Michigan on the list of states with the most reckless speeding problems.
North Carolina
Speeding violations are a frequent occurrence in North Carolina, as drivers often exceed posted limits, weaving through traffic and putting others at risk. The issue extends to city and suburban streets, where speeding creates dangerous situations for pedestrians and other vehicles.
Virginia
Reckless speeding remains a major issue in Virginia, despite the state’s strict laws and harsh penalties. Busy areas like Richmond and Northern Virginia are particularly challenging, where dense traffic encourages risky behavior.
Virginia State Police actively patrol these areas, targeting drivers who endanger others, but speeding continues to be a leading cause of accidents.
Tennessee
Highways in Tennessee, including I-40 and I-24, are no stranger to speeding violations. Drivers often push past posted limits, creating dangerous conditions for themselves and others. Cities see significant challenges, with frustrated drivers weaving through traffic to get ahead.
Alabama
If you’re a resident in Alabama, then you’ll already know that speeding is a common issue on Alabama’s highways. Drivers frequently treat these roads as personal racetracks, ignoring speed limits and endangering others.
Missouri
Crashes related to high speeds are a regular occurrence in Missouri, and aggressive driving is a common sight, especially in areas like Kansas City and St. Louis. Late-night drivers and those on less-patrolled roads frequently take advantage of the situation, exacerbating the problem.
Missouri’s mix of reckless drivers and challenging road conditions means it’s always on the list of states with significant speeding issues.
Wisconsin
Drivers in Wisconsin often ignore speed limits, particularly on the highways. But don’t think the problem is only here, as local roads frequently see violations as well. Winter weather in the state makes the issue even more dangerous, with icy roads contributing to the severity of accidents caused by speeding.
Louisiana
One persistent issue in Louisiana is trying to control speeding, particularly on major routes, as drivers often ignore posted limits. Flat terrain and straight highways make it tempting to accelerate, and many drivers take full advantage of these conditions.