Cars and Speeding Tickets: A Closer Look at the Data
Introduction:
A couple of years ago, Insurify conducted a study to determine which car models were more likely to receive speeding tickets. The study concluded that certain car models, such as the Subaru WRX and Hyundai Genesis Coupe, had a higher percentage of drivers with speeding tickets compared to the national average. Fast forward to 2023, and Insurify has now ranked car brands based on their association with speeding tickets. This new study provides valuable insights into the driving habits and preferences of American motorists.
Car Models and Speeding Tickets:
The previous study conducted by Insurify focused on car models rather than brands. It revealed that Subaru WRX had the highest percentage of drivers with at least one speeding ticket, followed closely by the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Stinger, Mazda3, and Subaru BRZ. Interestingly, Subaru, a brand known for its emphasis on safety and family-friendliness, had three models on the list. These findings suggest that vehicle selection may indeed play a role in driver behavior, as drivers attracted to these particular models seem more prone to speeding.
Shifting the Focus: Car Brands and Speeding Tickets:
In 2023, Insurify took a different approach and analyzed car brands as a whole to determine their association with speeding tickets. The study revealed that Infiniti topped the list, with 8.7% of its drivers having received a speeding ticket. Other brands with relatively higher percentages included Scion, Volkswagen, and Subaru. Although Subaru stood out in the earlier model-focused study, its overall brand average is closer to the national average.
Methodology and Factors to Consider:
Insurify’s data was collected from 4.6 million car insurance applications. However, the study does not specify how far back in a driver’s record these assessments consider speeding tickets. Consequently, an individual may have a speeding ticket from several years ago that still impacts their insurance rates when purchasing a new vehicle.
Unforeseen Surprises:
One unexpected finding from the brand study was the inclusion of the BMW i3 among the car models with the highest percentage of speeding tickets. 17.6% of BMW i3 drivers were found to have speeding tickets, despite the vehicle’s reputation as an electric car focused on sustainability. This finding suggests that factors such as the car’s nimbleness and driving experience may influence driver behavior. Conversely, drivers of the BMW Z4 were found to have a significantly lower percentage of speeding tickets at 4.5%.
Brands with Responsible Drivers:
On the other end of the spectrum, brands such as Cadillac, Tesla, and Volvo were associated with a lower percentage of drivers with speeding tickets. These brands had percentages well below the national average, indicating that their drivers tend to be more law-abiding when it comes to speed limits. The Subaru Ascent played a significant role in offsetting the higher percentages associated with other Subaru models, as only 1.9% of Ascent drivers had received a speeding ticket.
Speeding and Traffic Safety:
The prevalence of speeding is a significant concern when it comes to traffic safety. According to data, speeding is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. With over 20 million traffic stops made by law enforcement each year, approximately 43% of these stops are related to speeding. The staggering number of Americans receiving speeding tickets or warnings emphasizes the importance of obeying speed limits for both personal safety and public well-being.
Conclusion:
Insurify’s studies provide valuable insights into the correlation between car models, brands, and speeding tickets. While these findings do not imply causation, they suggest that certain vehicle characteristics or driver preferences may influence speeding tendencies. As we strive for safer roads, it is crucial for drivers to remain mindful of speed limits and prioritize responsible driving habits.