Two cars were involved in the crash on Pacific Coast Highway near Gundry Avenue on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.

When it comes to speeding drivers, Long Beach ranks among the 20 worst cities in the country, according to a report released Thursday from the auto insurance website www.compareautoinsurance.com.

The study, based off traffic fatality statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ranked 111 U.S. cities for their rates of speeding-related traffic deaths.

Long Beach was ranked 17 for its relatively high rates. The study found that 39.9% of traffic deaths in Long Beach involved speeding, which is above the national average of 27.7%. Los Angeles ranked 40, with 35% of its traffic fatalities related to speeding.

North Las Vegas came in at No. 1 with 53.9% of its traffic fatalities related to speeding, followed by Irving, Texas at 52.2%

The statistics were generated from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System for the period of 2013 to 2017. Only cities with a population of at least 200,000 and more than one speeding-related fatality were included.

Long Beach had 148 traffic fatalities in that period, with 59 being speeding related.

Four of the 15 worst cities are in California, but the Southeast and Midwest had an overall higher percentage of speeding-related fatalities.

The study also found that rule roads had higher rates, and that 75% of drivers involved fatal speeding accidents were male.

On a positive note, the study found that overall rates have decreased nationwide by about 34 percent since 2005 and rates among teenagers have fallen dramatically.

Between 2005 and 2017, speeding-related fatalities per 100,000 teenagers dropped from 13.2 to 5.8, which experts attribute to increased seatbelt use and decreased drinking and driving.