Some reasons drivers speed may seem understandable or relatable to the average driver. But in reality, those reasons rarely justify creating the risk of a fatal accident that comes with speeding. Speeding to make up time when running late. A driver running late will often speed to shave a few minutes off a trip. But drivers frequently overestimate the time they save by speeding (especially on short trips) while underestimating the risks of fatal accidents. In fact, in many cases, speeding fails to accomplish the goal of getting somewhere faster. We have all seen drivers speed between red lights, only to make up little to no ground compared to others driving the speed limit. This often happens because traffic lights are programmed to optimize traffic flow at a legal, safe speed. Most time “saved” by driving faster between lights is lost waiting for lights to change. Speeding out of familiarity with local roads. Often, drivers increase their rate of speed because they feel comfortable with the road and the area. Their mistaken belief that they can navigate familiar roads safely at high speed often leads to deadly accidents. Research reveals that as many as 88 percent of car accident injuries occur within 10 miles of home. Drivers who speed on familiar roads lack an appreciation for the effects of speed on their ability to react to unexpected road hazards, even if those hazards themselves are entirely predictable. Accidents can occur at any time. In effect, their experience driving a route many times without incident lulls them into underestimating the chances of a dangerous high-speed crash. Speeding for the thrill of it. Some drivers speed simply for the thrill of it. They weave through traffic and power down straight roads like drag racers. These drivers do not recognize what the rest of the driving public can see: that they’re irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous. They overestimate their abilities and the capacities of their cars, and as a result, they pose an extreme risk of causing a fatal speeding accident. Speeding because overconfidence makes it seem like “no big deal.” Sometimes, drivers speed because they think speed limits are unnecessarily low and they know what speeds are safe. Drivers in this camp think of speeding as no big deal, something everybody does. According to AAA, around 73 percent of drivers in America think of themselves as better-than-average drivers. This inflated self-judgment of driving ability leads directly to drivers treating speed limits as mere suggestions, resulting in deadly crashes. Speeding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drug and alcohol consumption interferes with decision-making, increases risk-taking, and impairs motor control and perception. Impaired drivers routinely drive too fast, and many fatal drunk and drugged driving accidents involve speeding. Speeding out of ignorance of speed limits. In areas with poorly-marked speed limits, or areas where the speed limit changes suddenly, drivers may speed because they simply do not see the signs directing them to slow down. This is especially common on unfamiliar roads, or when drivers take their cues from the speed of other vehicles without recognizing the potential for encountering dangerous road hazards.