Higher Speed Limits Result in More Deaths

July 2009

A new study found that since speed limits rose nationwide in 1995, United States roads have become more dangerous. According to research, an estimated 12,500 deaths and 36,583 injuries resulted from increased speed limits over a 10-year period.

The national limit of 55 was created in 1974 in the hopes of decreasing fuel consumption. After it was repealed in 1995, the speed limit rose in every state. Researchers found that the number of fatal car accidents went down after the speed limit was lowered in 1974 and then increased an average of three percent on all road types after 1995. The largest increases were on rural interstates (nine percent) and urban interstates (four percent).

The study recommends improved enforcement of speed limits as a solution. The lead author, Dr. Friedman of the University of Illinois in Chicago, also suggests returning to the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit.