‘Speeding Catches Up With You’: RivCo Officials Urge Drivers Against Speeding

MORENO VALLEY, CA — Federal and local authorities are sounding the alarm on the dangers of speeding, urging drivers in Moreno Valley and across the nation to think twice before hitting the gas.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a new campaign this week, reminding drivers that “Speeding Catches Up With You.” The effort highlights speeding as an aggressive and dangerous behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk — from other drivers to bicyclists and pedestrians.

“A speeding-related crash can easily result in devastating injury or a fatality, because of the intense impact on the body,” explained Deputy Jason Slover. “It may be thought of as falling from a multi-story building, with every 10 miles per hour representing one or multiple stories,” he said. “Drivers in the city of Moreno Valley should be especially aware of this campaign and aware of their speed."

In 2023 alone, speeding was a factor in 11,775 traffic deaths nationwide — 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. While that figure marks a 3 percent decrease from 2022, when 12,157 people died in speeding-related crashes, NHTSA officials say the numbers remain alarmingly high.

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected events, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or sharp curves in the road. Officials emphasized that speed limits aren’t arbitrary — they’re carefully engineered to maximize safety and reduce the severity of crashes.

"Like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that can have deadly consequences," NHTSA warned.

Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially at risk. Last year, 37 percent of male drivers and 18 percent of female drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding. Among motorcycle riders, 36 percent of all riders involved in deadly crashes were speeding, with the highest rates among those aged 21 to 24, 51 percent of whom were speeding at the time.

“We are urging everyone to commit to keeping our roads and town safe by obeying all speed limits,” said Slover. “Slowing down is the right choice. Ultimately, speeding catches up with you.”

For more information on the campaign, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.