especially on the interstate.

Speed limits too low for conditions mean some people obey, some people travel at a realistic speed, and there can be a large difference in relative speeds.

When the speed limit is raised to actually reflect realistic travel speeds for a road, the new higher limit decreases the speed differences of the cars. When the majority of traffic is traveling at the same speed, traffic flow improves, and there are actually fewer accidents.

still about 10 miles over the new speed limit -- no matter what those studies predicted.

And in the ten years after the national 55 limit was repealed in 1995, there was an increase in traffic deaths.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724439/

Long-Term Effects of Repealing the National Maximum Speed Limit in the United States

Results. We found a 3.2% increase in road fatalities attributable to the raised speed limits on all road types in the United States. The highest increases were on rural interstates (9.1%) and urban interstates (4.0%). We estimated that 12 545 deaths (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8739, 16 352) and 36 583 injuries in fatal crashes (95% CI = 29 322, 43 844) were attributable to increases in speed limits across the United States.

Conclusions. Reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could immediately reduce speeds and save lives, in addition to reducing gas consumption, cutting emissions of air pollutants, saving valuable years of productivity, and reducing the cost of motor vehicle crashes.

If we really cared about fatalities, then we could drop the speed limit to 25mph and strictly enforce it.

You think it's worth the extra loss of life to go a little faster, and that it's all or nothing. Either we should eliminate all fatalities or accept any number.



So you're okay with 9% extra fatalities on rural highways. How much higher would you go? 20%? 100%?

We could drop the speed limit to 40 and save another 20%, or drop it to 25mph and save 80%.

You are also accepting a certain death toll for even a 55mph speed limit.

Also, today's cars are safer than they were in 95, and highways are safer to.

It's a flashback to when Homer first meets Marge in high school. He tries to impress her by going the debate team.

When the debate teacher said the topic was resolved "the national speed limit should be 55 miles per hour"

Homer responds "55 that's ridiculous. Sure it might save a few LVIES. But millions will be late"

just torture to drive only 55 MPH. I am very thankful that speed limits out here in Colorado, and most of the west, is 75 mph.
It is not traveling at these speeds that wastes gas either, it is sitting at stoplights in cities going 0 MPH that wastes the gas.
I am not sure about how many lives would be saved by driving 55, but I kind of agree with Bart. He should have said that it would increase the suicide rate if it took you 5 or 6 days to drive from Colorado to New York instead of the 3 1/2 it takes now.

I'd rather take my chances with terrorists in the skies.


This is according to a study conducted in 2009.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724439/

Long-Term Effects of Repealing the National Maximum Speed Limit in the United States

Results. We found a 3.2% increase in road fatalities attributable to the raised speed limits on all road types in the United States. The highest increases were on rural interstates (9.1%) and urban interstates (4.0%). We estimated that 12 545 deaths (95% confidence interval = 8739, 16 352) and 36 583 injuries in fatal crashes (95% CI = 29 322, 43 844) were attributable to increases in speed limits across the United States.

Conclusions. Reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could immediately reduce speeds and save lives, in addition to reducing gas consumption, cutting emissions of air pollutants, saving valuable years of productivity, and reducing the cost of motor vehicle crashes.

each way. It is a Godsend to be able to drive 70-75 mph in the western states. You have every right to drive 55 if that makes you feel safer. I only ask that you stay in the right lane, please.

If people want to go faster there's always a plane.

Those rural areas in the western states have seen a 9% increase in highway fatalities since the speed limit was raised. You think they are a godsend, but I don't. Human beings decided that the benefits of raising the speed limit were worth the loss of life.

weeks. We just can't afford 4 plane tickets plus a rental car while we're there. We have seen the sights and taken numerous side trips. And yes, being in the car for days on end can get to be torture. So, I am one aho is thankful for more realistic speed limits. I would imagine that we could completely eliminate traffic fatalities if we reduced the speed limits to 20 mph or so.

in Massachusetts.

I think 55 was a good compromise speed. Guess we'll just have to disagree.

Why not 20 mph and save 99% of the traffic fatalities?

Why 55? Why not 50? Why not 45?

Every time you raise it there will be deaths. Would you support a 45mph speed limit if it saved more lives over a 55mph speed limit.

that's when there started to be a statistically significant increase in loss of life along with an improvement in gas mileage. They didn't find this at much lower speeds.

If there was a significant difference in loss of life at 45, yes, I'd support that limit. But studies have not found that to be true.

You can't compare todays vehicles to on built in 73. Same with fuel economy. I can cruise at 70mph and still get 30mpg.

You are right about improvements in mileage and vehicle safety, but more people continue to die as a result of the raised speed limits.

There are several 70 mph sections on the Idaho section of I-90 and the accident rate is low even though the road is heavily used.

Yes.

And there's a Texas toll road where it's 85 mph.

the average speed is only about 75 mph (it's only two lanes in each direction).

I drive 3 hours each way to my log home every week. I appreciate 70 mph.

Last time I drove in WI, one could break an axle at 70 MPH. And with Squatty cutting budgets....

I'm sure the Kochs appreciate the added fuel consumption...

Notice how many people slow down on foggy roads?
None? You're right.

Then we see more and more of the big pileups.

Just out study
Way below average
Last year I drove from Milw area to knoxville
Was stunned how much better roads are elsewhere

This is according to a study conducted in 2009.

And overall road fatalities increased by 3.2%.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2724439/

Long-Term Effects of Repealing the National Maximum Speed Limit in the United States

Results. We found a 3.2% increase in road fatalities attributable to the raised speed limits on all road types in the United States. The highest increases were on rural interstates (9.1%) and urban interstates (4.0%). We estimated that 12 545 deaths (95% confidence interval = 8739, 16 352) and 36 583 injuries in fatal crashes (95% CI = 29 322, 43 844) were attributable to increases in speed limits across the United States.

Conclusions. Reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could immediately reduce speeds and save lives, in addition to reducing gas consumption, cutting emissions of air pollutants, saving valuable years of productivity, and reducing the cost of motor vehicle crashes.

In Kansas, the law says out of state drivers must close their eyes as they cross the state so they don't get too overwhelmed by the sadness of Brownbackistan.