American roads have gotten deadlier since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 38,824 traffic fatalities in 2020 – the most going back over a decade.
Experts attribute rising roadway fatalities to a number of causes – some related to the pandemic and some not. Still, as is the case every year, roadway fatalities are often the result of risky behaviors; speeding being among the most common. (Here is a look at the states where car deaths are increasing the most.)
Nationwide, 29% of traffic deaths – 11,258 in total – were related to speeding in 2020. This figure varies considerably from state to state, however, and in some parts of the country, speeding is a far bigger problem than in others.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed statistics from the NHTSA to identify the states where speeding kills the most people. States are ranked by the share of all traffic fatalities – including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians – that were related to speeding in 2020. Depending on the state, speeding accounts for anywhere from 9% of traffic deaths to nearly 50%.
Speed limits are set to reduce the likelihood and severity of traffic accidents. When drivers exceed posted speed limits, not only does the probability of an accident increase, but so too does the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
In most states, non-interstate arterials or highways – excluding freeways and expressways – account for the largest share of speed related traffic deaths. Speed limits on these types of roads typically range between 50 and 70 miles per hour – and the odds of a driver or passenger walking away from a collision at speeds greater than 70 miles per hour are slim.
Speeding can also reduce the control a motorist has over their vehicle. In several states, local roads, which are typically residential or commercial and have speed limits between 20 and 45 miles per hour, rank among the deadliest. Drivers who exceed the speed limits on these roads are less likely to be able to avoid pedestrians or cyclists. (Here is a look at the best cities for biking this year.)
Click here to see the states where speeding kills the most people.
Click here to read our detailed methodology.
50. Florida
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 285 (8.6% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 140 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 44 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 3,331
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49. Tennessee
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 187 (15.4% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 93 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 40 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,217
48. Nebraska
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 39 (16.7% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 23 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 5 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 233
47. Mississippi
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 126 (16.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 60 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 43 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 752
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46. Iowa
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 61 (18.1% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 24 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 18 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 337
45. Kentucky
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 162 (20.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 72 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 45 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 780
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44. West Virginia
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 60 (22.5% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 25 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 14 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 267
43. Louisiana
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 189 (22.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 72 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 42 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 828
42. Georgia
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 380 (22.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 161 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 83 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,664
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41. Oklahoma
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 156 (23.9% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 59 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 42 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 652
40. Kansas
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 102 (23.9% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 41 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 29 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 426
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39. New Jersey
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 142 (24.3% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 78 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 21 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 584
38. Oregon
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 124 (24.4% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 72 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 32 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 508
37. Arkansas
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 164 (25.7% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 52 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 17 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 638
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36. North Dakota
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 26 (26.0% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 16 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 4 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 100
35. Utah
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 72 (26.1% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 41 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 13 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 276
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34. Indiana
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 238 (26.5% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 117 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 46 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 897
33. Michigan
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 292 (26.9% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 122 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 61 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,084
32. Vermont
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 17 (27.4% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 8 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 4 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 62
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31. Ohio
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 340 (27.6% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 128 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 93 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,230
30. Massachusetts
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 97 (28.3% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 50 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Urban interstates; 19 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 55-75 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 343
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29. Alabama
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 265 (28.4% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 107 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 95 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 934
28. Delaware
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 33 (28.4% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 12 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 10 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 116
27. Maine
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 47 (28.7% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 21 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 12 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 164
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26. Maryland
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 163 (28.7% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 90 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 26 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 567
25. Idaho
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 62 (29.0% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 35 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 15 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 214
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24. Nevada
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 93 (29.3% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 51 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 28 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 317
23. South Dakota
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 42 (29.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 24 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Rural interstates; 7 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 55-75 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 141
22. Washington
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 167 (29.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 58 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 40 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 560
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21. Rhode Island
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 20 (29.9% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 13 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Urban interstates; 2 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 55-75 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 67
20. Virginia
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 260 (30.6% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 118 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 64 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 850
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19. Minnesota
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 122 (31.0% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 48 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 33 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 394
18. North Carolina
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 489 (31.8% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 172 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 137 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,538
17. California
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,228 (31.9% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 653 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 164 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 3,847
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16. Connecticut
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 96 (32.5% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 53 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 14 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 295
15. Wyoming
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 42 (33.1% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 17 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 16 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 127
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14. Arizona
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 353 (33.5% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 168 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 68 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,054
24/7 Wall St.
13. Wisconsin
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 216 (35.2% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 102 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 53 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 614
12. New Hampshire
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 37 (35.6% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 17 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 16 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 104
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11. Alaska
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 23 (35.9% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 8 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 6 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 64
10. New York
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 378 (36.1% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 159 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 105 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,046
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9. Texas
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,446 (37.3% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 676 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 310 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 3,874
24/7 Wall St.
8. Illinois
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 460 (38.5% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 216 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 84 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,194
7. Montana
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 83 (39.0% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 33 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 19 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 213
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6. New Mexico
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 160 (40.2% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 79 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 34 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 398
5. Pennsylvania
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 459 (40.7% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 186 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 99 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,129
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4. Missouri
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 421 (42.7% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 199 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 83 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 987
3. Hawaii
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 37 (43.5% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 34 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Urban interstates; 2 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 55-75 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 85
2. Colorado
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 287 (46.1% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 152 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Collector roads; 48 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 35-55 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 622
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1. South Carolina
> Speeding-related traffic fatalities in 2020: 494 (46.4% of all traffic deaths)
> Deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Highways excl. expressways & interstates; 358 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 50-70 mph)
> 2nd deadliest road type for speeding-fatalities: Local roads; 46 speeding deaths (typical speed limit 20-45 mph)
> Total traffic fatalities in 2020: 1,064
Methodology
To identify the states where speeding kills the most people, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed traffic fatality statistics from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. States are ranked by the share of all traffic fatalities related to speeding. Fatality data includes pedestrians as well as drivers and passengers, and is for the year 2020.
We also reviewed data on speeding related fatalities by road type. Using NHTSA road classifications, we broke down road types into six different categories: 1.) rural interstates, 2.) urban interstates, 3.) Non-interstate freeways and expressways, 4.) Non-interstate minor arterials and other principal arterials – or, for the purposes of this story, highways excluding expressways & interstates, 5.) Non-interstate collectors, and 6.) Local roads, which are typically residential or commercial.
Typical speed limits for each road type are also from the NHTSA.
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