Road traffic crashes remain a critical public health issue, ranking as the 12th leading cause of death globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023a). Among the major contributors to these crashes, speeding stands out as a key factor, significantly increasing the likelihood and severity of crashes. A 1% increase in speed is estimated to result in a 4% increase in the risk of fatal crashes, and pedestrians struck by vehicles traveling at 65 km/h instead of 50 km/h face a 4.5-fold increase in fatal injury risk (WHO, 2023b). The European Commission (2024) reports that speeding is involved in approximately 30% of fatal crashes, underscoring the critical need for effective measures to reduce speeding behaviours. The ESRA3 study, conducted in 2023 across 39 countries, offers a unique opportunity to analyze self-reported behaviours, attitudes, and perceptions related to speeding. The ESRA initiative aims to collect and analyze comparable data on road safety performance and culture. This paper includes topics such as self-declared speeding behaviours, acceptability of speeding, risk perception, and support for policy measures and enforcement. By employing a harmonized questionnaire translated into national languages, the study captures regional variations and demographic differences, providing valuable insights into the global speeding landscape. speeding behaviours were prevalent, with younger drivers and males reporting higher rates of speeding across all road types and regions. Notably, driving too fast for road or traffic conditions was less frequently reported than exceeding speed limits in built-up areas. Gender differences were consistent, with females demonstrating lower rates of speeding and higher perceptions of risk associated with this behaviour. The acceptability of speeding was generally low, but respondents believed others were more likely to consider it acceptable, reflecting potential social norm conflicts. Encouragingly, a majority of respondents expressed intentions to respect speed limits in the near future, although self-efficacy in managing high speeds varied by region, with lower confidence reported in Asia-Oceania. The findings of this study highlight the critical need for multifaceted interventions to address speeding. Communication strategies should focus on changing perceptions and attitudes, particularly among younger drivers and males. Policy measures, including stricter speed limits, increased enforcement, and infrastructure improvements, are essential to creating a road environment that discourages speeding. Tailored interventions that account for regional and cultural differences are also crucial, as demonstrated by the variations observed in self-efficacy and perceived enforcement likelihood across countries.
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