A new study by the AAA Foundation has revealed that raising posted speed limits may not actually save time or improve traffic flow. In fact, this change could result in a surge of crashes, injuries, and tragic deaths on our roads.
The comprehensive research, conducted across 12 different roadway sites, examined the impact of new posted speed limits – six of which were raised and six lowered – on various road types. The results were eye-opening.
One of the key findings from the study was that increasing speed limits led to a significant rise in crashes on two major interstate highways. On the other hand, lower posted speed limits were associated with a decrease in crashes in many cases examined, according to AAA.
There was, however, a notable side effect of lowering speed limits. It was found that the likelihood of speed limit violations actually increased after these changes were implemented. AAA believes that this highlights the need for better public awareness and education to accompany any adjustments to speed limits.
The study underscores the critical importance of considering the potential consequences when making decisions about speed limits. By promoting more responsible driving habits and raising public awareness, we can work towards safer roads for everyone.
The AAA Foundation study found:
- Raising posted speed limits was associated with increased crash frequencies and rates for two of the three interstate highways examined
- Lowering posted speed limits was associated with decreased crash frequencies and rates for one of the two principal arterials examined
- Changes in travel times were small in response to both raised and lowered speed limits
AAA urges transportation officials to prioritize safety over speed and capacity by adopting a “holistic” approach when setting or changing posted speed limits.
“Our study analyzed before-and-after data on a dozen roadways that raised or lowered posted speed limits and found no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the impact of these changes,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “However, it is critical to consider the safety implications when local transportation authorities contemplate making changes with posted speed limits.”
AAA recommends considering various factors when making changes to posted speed limits. These factors include the type of road, surrounding land use, and historical crash data. AAA also supports automated speed enforcement measures, but emphasizes the importance of carefully implementing these programs to ensure community support, prioritize equity, and consistently enhance safety on the roads.
“The movement in statehouses to raise speed limits is happening across the country in at least eight states this year,” said Jennifer Ryan, director of state relations for AAA. “But the benefits are overrated, and the risks are understated. Increasing speed limits does not always yield the positive results envisioned by traffic planners.”
This study marks the third phase of the foundation’s in-depth investigation. Previously, traffic engineers shared valuable insights on the factors influencing speed limit adjustments. Additionally, crash testing unveiled alarming consequences of even minor speed increases, highlighting the importance of our ongoing research.
Source: Truckers News
