ACPD to take part in 'Speeding Slows You Down' campaign

As part of the national “Speeding Slows You Down” campaign, the Arkansas City Police Department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding. From July 7 through July 15, 2025, Arkansas City officers will conduct high-visibility enforcement and issue citations to drivers exceeding posted speed limits.

“Speed limits are set to keep all road users safe,” said Police Chief Jim Holloway. “They minimize the likelihood of crashes and reduce the severity of injuries when collisions occur. Driving above the speed limit puts everyone at risk, no matter the reason.”

In 2023, 11,775 people lost their lives in speeding-related traffic crashes—accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities that year. While this number marks a slight decrease from 2022, the risk remains significant. Young drivers and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable:

• 37% of male drivers and 18% of female drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
• 36% of all motorcyclists in fatal crashes were speeding.
• Among motorcyclists aged 21 to 24, 51% were speeding at the time of the fatal crash.

Speeding not only reduces a driver’s ability to safely steer or react to sudden hazards, but it also drastically increases the force of impact in a crash. Contrary to popular belief, most speeding-related deaths do not occur on highways. In fact, 88% of these fatalities happened on local roads in 2023.

“Speeding is aggressive and dangerous behavior,” Chief Holloway added. “It’s time to recognize that lives are at stake—yours, your passengers’, and others on the road. We’re urging all drivers to slow down and obey the speed limits, every road, every time.”

The Arkansas City Police Department is committed to protecting the community by enforcing traffic laws and preventing unnecessary tragedies. Drivers should expect to see increased patrols throughout the city during the campaign period.

For more information about the dangers of speeding, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.