Naperville Police Join Officers from 11 States to Combat Speeding

The Naperville Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies from 11 states in National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Regions 5 and 7 on July 26 for this year’s high visibility Speed Awareness Day enforcement campaign. Many law enforcement agencies from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri are participating.

This campaign is an effort to address a continued trend of speeding and hazardous moving violations as contributing causes to personal injury and fatal crashes. Speeding is a factor in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. Early NHTSA statistical projections for 2022 show 42,759 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes, which represents a marginal decrease of 0.3% in traffic deaths when compared to 2021 (42,939 fatalities).

In 2021, there were 5,864 fatal injuries in the Region 5 six-state area, with 1,780 (30.35%) being speed-related fatalities. Traffic crashes that result in death due to speeding are historically higher during the summer months of June through September.

“Many people view speeding as less dangerous than impaired driving or distracted driving, but data shows speeding continues to be a leading cause of injury and fatal crashes across the country,” said Naperville Police Sgt. Derek Zook. “This speed awareness campaign combines increased, zero-tolerance enforcement with communication to motorists on the importance of obeying the speed limit in an effort to both raise awareness and save lives.”

Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control;
• Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment;
• Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger;
• Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries;
• Economic implications of a speed-related crash; and
• Increased fuel consumption/cost.

According to the NHTSA, drivers who speed are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors, such as not wearing a seat belt, drinking and driving, or using a cell phone while driving.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.