Louisiana Drivers Less Likely to Speed Study Shows

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - We are pretty laid back here in South Louisiana. We like to take the time to say hello to people we do and don't know. We like to take a moment to assess the weather. We are also pretty nosey! If something is happening in our vicinity, we need to slow down and check it out! My point is, we're not always in a hurry and new research has revealed the states with the least drivers who speed, with Louisiana ranking in 10th place.

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On average, it’s estimated that more than 100,000 speeding tickets are issued to US drivers each day, costing America approximately $6 billion a year. Speed limits are there to ensure your safety, along with your passengers' and fellow drivers'. But what about Louisiana? Where do we rank among states that are the best at adhering to speed limits?

The team at MarketWatch Guides has analyzed data across the country to reveal the states which receive the most and least speeding tickets.

The Top 10 States With Drivers Who Speed The Least:

Connecticut Fares the Best

Connecticut takes the top spot, with just under 5% of drivers receiving a speeding ticket. Going over the speed limit in Connecticut is strictly enforced and dependent on the conditions — you can be given a speeding ticket if you are deemed to be going unreasonably fast. This is based on weather, the width of the road, and traffic.

Tailgating Connecticut is New Jersey, with only 5.52% of its drivers receiving a speeding ticket. New Jersey punishes with a fine ranging from $85 to $260, depending on how far over the speed limit you are. You’ll also pay double the fine if you exceed a 65 mph speed limit by 10 mph or more.

In addition, New Jersey has a points system ranging from two to five points on your license. If you accumulate more than six points in three years, you must pay a surcharge of $150 plus $25 for every additional point.

Finishing off the top three is Nevada, with nearly 6.5% of drivers receiving a speeding ticket. Previously, speeding in Nevada was considered a misdemeanor. However, a bill was signed to decriminalize most traffic offenses in 2021. Speeding can still lead to a fine of up to $500; extreme speeding can result in an arrest and a misdemeanor charge.

Further findings: 

• Almost 15% of drivers have received a speeding ticket in Ohio. Ohio’s laws on speeding are very strict, regardless of whether you’re one mph or 20 mph over the speed limit.

• The US area with the most fatal crashes involving speeding is Wyoming with 24 fatal crashes involving speeding per 100,000 licensed drivers.

• The US area with the fewest fatal crashes involving speeding is Florida, with 4.2 fatal crashes involving speeding per 100,000 licensed drivers.