Did Raising Freeway Speed Limits Affect Traffic Safety?
By Bennet K. Langlotz, J.D., B.S.E. Senior Analyst, National Motorists Association Foundation safetyengineering@langlotz.com March 1999 In 1995, the U.S. Congress repealed the National Maximum Speed Limit (NMSL), which had in 1973 established a national maximum of 55 mph in response to the energy crisis of that era; the limit was raised to 65 mph in 1987. Leading up to the repeal was debate about its eventual effects, with some organizations predicting an additional 6400 traffic deaths annually if the NMSL were repealed. Following the repeal, 38 states have raised limits on at least some of their highest-speed roadways, typically including stretches of rural interstate highways. (14 states and the District of Columbia did not change speed limits during this period.) All but 9 of the limit-raising states established limits of 70 mph or greater, previously prohibited under the NMSL. This study analyzes state-by-state fatality data published by the National Highway Traffic Administration
Related Questions
- Would reducing the speed limit to 45 mph affect the amount of traffic that would use the corridor? Could it eliminate the need for future expansion?
- My traffic citation is for driving 25 miles per hour or more above the speed limit. Can I take this driver safety course for ticket dismissal?
- Is freeway traffic safety addressed by the recommended plan?
