Speed Limits

Speed limits should remain the same because they help save lives and save money. When speed limits are higher you waste more gas and have a bigger chance of having an accident which could be fatal. The current speed limits are safe and less expensive then if the speed limits were higher then they currently are.

“According to the Department of Energy, aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and 5 percent around town.” When you drive too fast you will waste more gas. “…author Rune Elvik found that a 1 percent decrease in travel speed reduces injury crashes by about 2 percent, serious injuries crashes by about 3 percent and fatal crashes by about 4 percent.” When you drive just slightly slower you reduce the risk of injuries and death. “Nearly 13,500 people died in speed-related crashes in 2006” Many people die every year because people are speeding.

“The report found that overall on the 65 mph system the fatal accident rate decreased by 29 percent the total accident rate decreased by 4 percent and the injury accident rate decreased by 5 percent.” When speed limits are followed there are significant decreased in accidents, which could lead to deaths and serious injuries. “New York State in 1998 had the lowest number of traffic fatalities since 1920. The report shows the decrease in recent years has been most significant on highways with the 65 mph system.” When the speed limits are regulated there is a decrease in accidents. “average traffic volumes for highways under DOT jurisdiction that had a speed limit increased…increased by an average of 13 percent.” When people drive faster there is more congestion.

“The new 65 mph limit would allow state highway patrols to shift resources from speed enforcement on the interstates to other safety activates and other highways.” When the speed limit is 65 mph police can keep highways safer, this can help protect all drivers. “If the chiefs were correct, the reallocation of patrol resources should lead to a reduction in statewide fatality rates.” When the speed limits are not increased there are fewer deaths because of driving accidents. “We calculated the change in overall fatality rates that occurred after the new speed limit; the test group improved 3.5% more than the control group.” When the speed limits are raised there is an at least 3.5% more death which is a significant amount.

When the speed limits are raised then there is a great chance that people will die or get seriously hurt. Also, it costs more having higher speeds because you get worse gas mileage. Having the speed limits remain the same will help the fatality rate lower and help people save money.