The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds drivers that speeding has legal consequences. As part of the “Speeding Slows You Down” high-visibility enforcement campaign, drivers will see more law enforcement on the roads.

Speeding-related fatalities affect communities nationwide every year. In 2024, there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities. Young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39% of male drivers and 20% of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding.

Speeding is an aggressive and deadly behavior. It reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. “Speed limits are in place to keep all road users safe. Every mile per hour over the limit increases the risk of a crash and the severity of injuries,” said Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett. “Violating the speed limit and driving too fast for road conditions endangers everyone on the road. No excuse — lateness, traffic, or otherwise — makes it okay,” he said.

The consequences of speeding can lead to a costly ticket, potential jail time, or worse, a crash resulting in injuries or death.

“Local roads are where most of our speeding-related crashes occur,” said Sheriff Brackett.  “We will be concentrating our efforts in these areas,” he said.

“All drivers and riders are on notice: slow down and obey the posted speed limits,” said Sheriff Brackett. “It’s the law, and it saves lives.”

For more information on speeding, visit NHTSA.gov/Speeding.