New York Drivers Outpace National Average in New AAA Speeding Study

The "New Normal"

If it feels like drivers around you are moving faster than ever, you are not imagining things.

A national survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that roughly 8 in 10 drivers admit to speeding at least occasionally.

In fact, 30% of motorists agreed with the statement that "no one actually drives the speed limit anymore," indicating that going 10 mph over the posted speed limit has quietly become the default baseline on today’s highways.

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How New York Fared

When it comes to stepping on the gas, New York drivers are actually outpacing the national average.

While 15% of drivers nationwide classified themselves as "frequent" speeders, that figure jumped to 18% among New York motorists.

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Additionally, nearly three-quarters of respondents in the state reported regularly seeing dangerous highway speeding, highlighting a growing habit across Empire State roadways.

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Why We Speed

Why are so many drivers pressing their luck?

According to AAA, the top reasons cited were passing slower traffic, reaching destinations faster, and trying not to hold up vehicles behind them.

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On the flip side, the leading reasons drivers reported slowing down were avoiding a traffic ticket, preventing a crash, and navigating poor weather.

AAA safety experts emphasize that posted limits are meant as maximums, not suggestions—and keeping up with traffic is never worth compromising reaction time.

The fastest posted speed limit in New York State is 65 mph. But what if you don't see a speed limit posted on a road you travel?

Generally speaking, most state highways, rural two-lane roads, and county routes outside of city limits, the legal speed limit is 55 mph unless a sign says otherwise.