CarInsurance.com just published results of a survey on driver’s speeding habits, including where, why and how frequently they exceed the speed limit, and by how much. For those stopped by police, the study identifies the most common excuses given and the effectiveness of asking for a warning.

Most motorists speed at times:

• 82% of those surveyed acknowledge driving over the speed limit by as much as 15 mph
• 15% say they drive 16 to 29 mph over the speed limit
• 3% of people admit driving more than 30 mph over the limit

The most common reasons respondents give for speeding are:

• 24% claim they didn’t realize they were speeding
• 18 % say they are late for work
• 14% remark that they were going as fast as everyone else
• 11% blame being late to pick up or drop off a child
• 11% tell police there is a medical emergency
• 11% say they didn’t see a speed limit sign
• 9% offer that they have to use the bathroom

Requesting a warning instead of a ticket can be effective:

• 41% of surveyed drivers requested a warning and got it
• Only 17% of respondents say they still got a ticket after asking for a warning

The article also reviews differences between the rates that men vs. women are pulled over for speeding and how requests for a warning vary by gender. For those unlucky enough to receive a ticket, in addition to the speeding fine, CarInsurance.com research shows that auto insurance rates increase between 22% and 30% on average, after a speeding citation.

Insurance rate increases are impacted by:

1. The state where a driver speeds
2. How many miles over the limit are observed
3. The frequency of a driver’s citations
4. The auto insurer

View the complete article, with information on why, how often, where and how much drivers speed as well as details on how much various insurers raise rates: Caught Speeding: Top Excuses Drivers Give Cops