CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) reminds drivers to slow down and obey the speed limit ahead of a statewide high visibility enforcement (HVE) period starting September 4, 2027. The targeted enforcement will continue through September 21.
Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in speeding-related crashes across America. In 2024, there were 11,288 fatalities that involved speeding, accounting for 29% of that year’s traffic fatalities; 88% of those occurred on non-interstate roadways. Motorcycle riders 21 to 24 years old involved in fatal crashes had the highest speeding involvement at 51%.
Between 2016 and 2020, speed and aggressive driving were factors in 57.2% of all West Virginia crashes. In 2023, speed was a factor in 33% of all fatal vehicle crashes in WV.
“When you choose to speed, you aren't just taking a chance with your own life; you're taking that chance for every pedestrian, bicyclist, and driver around you,” said Jack McNeely, Director of the GHSP. “We all share these streets, which means we all share the duty to protect one another. Slowing down and driving for the conditions is the simplest, most effective way to save lives.”
Speed limits are put in place to reduce crashes and minimize a crash’s impact on the human body. Set through an engineering process, speed limits are no less important than the vehicle safety technology developed over the last decades. Even the safest cars with the newest technologies are limited in how much they can help reduce the odds of a crash.
Much like impaired driving, speeding is a selfish choice that has deadly consequences for the driver, vehicle passengers, and others using the road. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Faster speeds lead to greater crash impacts and increase the severity of injuries and the likelihood of death in a crash.
“We are asking drivers to please slow down; our goal is to save lives, and we’re putting all drivers on alert. The posted speed limit is the law. No excuses,” continued McNeely.
Learn more about the dangers of speeding atNHTSA.
For more information about the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.
