Speed Reduction Campaign

Take heed, don't speed

Speeding remains a serious safety concern on roadways across the country and here in Evanston. Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions significantly increases the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries when one occurs. In fact, speed was a factor in about 31% of all crashes in Illinois in 2024, and nearly 45% of fatal crashes involved speeding.

Across the United States in 2023, speeding contributed to nearly 29% of all traffic fatalities, with 11,775 people killed in speed-related crashes.

Speeding doesn’t just violate the law; it reduces your ability to steer safely, increases stopping distances, and makes crashes more severe. Yet many drivers underestimate the danger of even modest increases above the limit.

Did you know...

• The speed limit on most residential streets in Evanston is 25 mph.

• On average, the Evanston Police Department handles about 3,400 motor vehicle crashes each year.

• Speeding reduces a driver's ability to: 

  • React to hazards in time
  • Stay in control around curves or obstacles
  • Stop safely when conditions change

Speeding & Young Drivers

• Young drivers are especially at risk: in 2023, nearly 43 % of fatal crashes involving drivers ages 15–20 in Illinois were speed-related, resulting in dozens of deaths.

Your driving habits have the greatest impact on keeping our streets safe. Many people think a few miles per hour over the limit is harmless, but the consequences of a speed-related crash can be devastating,  including serious injury or death to you, your passengers, and others on the road.

Please slow down and help keep our neighborhoods safe.