Surveys of the States

Periodically, GHSA surveys its State Highway Safety Office (SHSO) members on their state's efforts related to a specific highway safety issue. Topics range from motorcycle safety to speeding to distracted driving.

Below is a list of the Surveys of the States published within the past several years. Click on a specific report for more information.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Published 2012

This report looks at state efforts to control the problems of speeding and aggressive driving. It covers a number of key topics, including: the public perception of the issue; the conflicted role of technology; and the existing appetite for change.

It also provides recommendations to states and the federal government to address the tremendous losses associated with speeding-related crashes. Learn More

Curbing Distracted Driving

Published 2010

This report details a host of approaches that State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) are implementing to address distracted driving, including: stronger laws, increased data collection, new education programs, public/private partnerships and a growing reliance on new media to spread the message.

It also includes a section on state laws and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sample texting bill. Learn More

Motorcycle Safety Programs

Published 2008

This survey examines the motorcycle safety activities State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) are undertaking to mitigate or reverse the recent annual increase in motorcycle crashes.

It includes tables on state education and licensing requirements and helmet laws. Learn More

Speeding

Published 2005

This report details efforts to control speeding by motorists. It comes ten years after Congress repealed the National Maximum Speed Limit (NMSL), which required states to keep maximum speed limits at 65 mph in rural areas and 55 mph in urban areas.

It summarizes efforts to reduce speeding-related fatalities and provides a snapshot of individual state countermeasures. Learn More