Speeding is a major problem on today's roads. Not only does speeding reduce the time you have to avoid a crash but it increases the severity of the crash, as well.

Most drivers believe they have a 5-10 mph buffer zone over the speed limit. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. Law enforcement can issue speeding citations to motorists exceeding the speed limit at their discretion.

Exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph is considered a criminal offense and can result in jail time.

Aside from citations and fines, below are additional facts on speeding:

• Speeding increases your crash risk. Studies show that the odds of being involved in a crash or a near-crash are almost three times as high when driving significantly faster than surrounding traffic.
  
  
• Speeding was a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes and 13,192 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes in 2004.
  
  
• 38 percent of the male drivers ages 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash in 2004.