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The number of deaths in speeding-related crashes fell just slightly in 2022, the latest year data is available.

But speeding is still a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities for the year, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Some 12,150 people died, but there were also 300,595 who were injured, many with injuries that could plague them the rest of their lives.

The Safety Administration has been running televised public service announcements to try to reduce speeding.

The ads are part of the administration’s “Speeding Catches Up With You” initiative and often have powerful visuals showing how crashes from speeding can impact people and their families.

Speeding has been a growing problem, with many speeders far above the limit. After a recent crackdown in Minnesota, law enforcement noted an alarming number of speeders going well over 100 mph. A local report showed the number of speeding stops in Mankato jumped significantly.

Coupled with more speeding is the ongoing problem of driving while distracted.

Combine too much speed and people looking at their phones and the chances of crashes, often deadly, increases dramatically.

There would almost certainly be even more deaths on the road except for advancements car manufacturers have made and additional highway safety measures that MnDOT and others have taken when designing and building roads.

But to lower the number of crashes we need to create a culture of traffic safety. Everyone needs to remember that there is a value to ourselves, our families and others on the road by driving more cautiously.

That starts with driving safer speeds, wearing your seatbelt and staying away from distractions.

— Mankato Free Press, Oct. 1