SEATTLE, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new poll from PEMCO Mutual Insurance recently found that a majority of Pacific Northwest drivers say they abide by the appropriate speed limit on residential neighborhood streets – but they’re far less convinced that others share the same caution.
PEMCO’s poll of Washington and Oregon residents found that 87% of drivers believe the speed limit on residential streets should be 25 mph or lower, and most (80%) say they drive the appropriate speed often. Yet, only 30% believe other drivers often abide by the appropriate neighborhood speed limit.
“Most drivers genuinely believe they’re making safe choices, especially in neighborhoods. But we also see that people are quick to notice when others fall short,” said PEMCO spokesperson Jennifer Hawton. “That gap between what we think and what we see is a great reminder to stay alert and consistent behind the wheel to prevent accidents.”
While most poll respondents share concern for driving safely in neighborhoods, speeding in general remains a widespread behavior among Northwest drivers. In fact, 59% of respondents admit they speed at least occasionally, with 22% saying they do so often – suggesting that speeding is a habit most drivers can’t resist.
What’s more, nearly three out of four drivers (72%) believe in a so-called “buffer speed” – the belief that law enforcement won’t pull them over unless they’re significantly over the limit. Most assume that buffer is between five and nine miles per hour, but 12% believe they can go 10 mph or more over the limit without consequence.
So, why do people speed? The top reason, cited by 66% of drivers, is that “everyone else is doing it,” according to the PEMCO Poll.
“We’ve polled drivers on speeding in the past, and there appears to be a consistent disconnect between what drivers believe they can get away with and the actual risks they pose,” Hawton said. “Whether you’re on the freeway or driving through your neighborhood, speed matters, and slowing down can save lives.”
For a complete summary of PEMCO’s proprietary poll results visit www.pemco.com/blog/nw-polls.
About the PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll
PEMCO Mutual Insurance commissioned this independent survey, conducted by Qualtrics, that asked Washington and Oregon residents questions about attitudes toward current Northwest issues. The sample size, 420 respondents in the Seattle Metro (King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties) region, 402 respondents in the Portland Metro (Multnomah, Marion, Clackamas, Washington Counties), and 383 respondents in the Spokane area (Spokane and Stevens Counties) yields an accuracy of +/- 5.0% respectively at the 95% confidence level. In other words, if this study were conducted 100 times, in 95 instances the data will not vary by more than the associated error range.
About PEMCO Mutual Insurance
PEMCO Mutual Insurance has been serving the Pacific Northwest for 75 years. PEMCO provides auto, home, renters, and boat coverage. We are honored to have been recognized as a Best American Insurance Company by Forbes Magazine based on customer feedback and as one of America’s Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2025 by Newsweek. We distinguish ourselves through award-winning customer service, industry expertise, and social impact programs focused on supporting youth and education; community impact programs that build a safer, stronger Pacific Northwest. To learn more, visit www.pemco.com.
CONTACT: liz@firmani.com, 9712172866
