Berkeley Police Cracks Down On Speeding Drivers

BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley police will be cracking down on speeding over the next few weeks in an effort to improve traffic safety, the department announced Tuesday.

Speeding is the leading factor in deadly crashes, and is consistently one of the top concerns among California drivers, the Berkeley Police Department said, citing the 2025 California Traffic Safety Survey.

Speeding was a factor in more than 11,000 deadly crashes in California in 2024, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 1,100 of those deadly crashes happened in California, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Even small increases in speed reduce the time drivers have to react and significantly increases the force of a crash," police said. "Slowing down is a simple, effective way to prevent tragedies on our roads."

Police recommend the following driving tips to help improve traffic safety:

• Allow for extra travel time
• Follow posted speed limits, especially in school and work zones
• Drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions around you
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or weaving through traffic

"Crashes have severe and lasting consequences, and slowing down is one of the most important actions you can take to keep everyone using roads safe," police said. "By taking precautions and driving at safe speeds, we can make sure everyone in the community reaches their destination safely."