Cordell, OK – The Washita County Sheriff’s Office has received a National Highway Safety Grant to support a speed reduction awareness and high-visibility enforcement campaign aimed at reducing speeding-related crashes.

Through the “Speeding Slows You Down” initiative, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds drivers that speeding has life-threatening consequences and urges motorists to obey posted speed limits. From December through September 2026, Washita County deputies will participate in the campaign by increasing high-visibility patrols and issuing citations to drivers who violate speed laws.

Speeding continues to be a major factor in traffic fatalities nationwide. In 2023, 11,775 people were killed in crashes involving speeding, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities for the year. While that number reflected a 3 percent decrease from 2022, when 12,157 speeding-related fatalities were reported, law enforcement officials say the numbers remain a serious concern.

Statistics show young drivers and motorcyclists are particularly at risk. In 2023, 37 percent of male drivers and 18 percent of female drivers ages 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding. Additionally, 36 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, with riders ages 21 to 24 having the highest rate of speeding involvement at 51 percent.

The Washita County Sheriff’s Office encourages all drivers to slow down, follow posted speed limits, and help make local roadways safer for everyone.

Copyright 2025 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.