Why not lower Speed Limits?
Hernando County receives many requests to lower a speed limit to stop speeding and improve safety. Lowering a speed limit does not reduce speeding, but may increase it. A roadway posted 40 MPH will have 85% traveling at that speed or less. Consider that 15% are speeding at 40 MPH, therefore would also speed at 30 MPH. Since the speed would be unrealistically lower, and that most people drive per the prevailing traffic conditions, roadway appearance, and their driving experience, an even greater number of speeders will result. The result is vehicle traveling at non-uniform speeds, which increases crash potential between faster and slower vehicles. Safety is also reduced because at various speeds, pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles entering and crossing the roadway have much greater difficulty judging the speeds of the approaching vehicles.
