Utah DOT admits higher speed limits = less speeding
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Utah DOT admits higher speed limits = less speeding
When the Utah DOT raised the speed limit on two pieces of I-15 from 75 mph to 80 mph, it discovered that driving habits didn't change. When the limit was 75 mph, the Utah DoT found that drivers were going between 81 and 85 mph. And now that the maximum limit is 80 mph, it has found that drivers are going between 83 and 85 mph.
You can look at that as less speeding, as the UDoT has, or simply the fact that people didn't automatically start going 10 mph over the limit, having found a speed that satisfies 85% of them. This shouldn't be that surprising – even when Montana had stretches of highway with unlimited speeds, it was only a few folks, mostly out-of-staters, that raced at max velocity. And most folks on unlimited sections of the Autobahn aren't even going 150 mph.
According to the Deseret News, a UDoT official said that accidents haven't increased, either, nor did they expect an increase in fender benders. What he said has increased, though, is speed differential, which we don't quite understand. Apparently, the difference between the fastest and slowest vehicles has widened. We can only imagine he was speaking of the 2 mph difference between the slightly higher lower average speed of 83 mph vs the 81 mph from before. Even though one Utah legislator wasn't happy about the increased limit, saying speed kills, the proof appears to be... well, not necessarily.
[Source: Deseret News | Image: Ken Lund via CC2.0]
You can look at that as less speeding, as the UDoT has, or simply the fact that people didn't automatically start going 10 mph over the limit, having found a speed that satisfies 85% of them. This shouldn't be that surprising – even when Montana had stretches of highway with unlimited speeds, it was only a few folks, mostly out-of-staters, that raced at max velocity. And most folks on unlimited sections of the Autobahn aren't even going 150 mph.
According to the Deseret News, a UDoT official said that accidents haven't increased, either, nor did they expect an increase in fender benders. What he said has increased, though, is speed differential, which we don't quite understand. Apparently, the difference between the fastest and slowest vehicles has widened. We can only imagine he was speaking of the 2 mph difference between the slightly higher lower average speed of 83 mph vs the 81 mph from before. Even though one Utah legislator wasn't happy about the increased limit, saying speed kills, the proof appears to be... well, not necessarily.
[Source: Deseret News | Image: Ken Lund via CC2.0]
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
I know what you mean. There are times when I'm on a long trip and I think to myself, "I should be allowed to go 90 here."
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From: NYC
This is common knowledge. Most people will drive safely at a speed that they are comfortable with regardless of the speed limit. Speed limits should be set by the traffic engineers at the DOT and not politicians.
When the limit is 75 I rarely go much over 78 or so.
There are stretches on the 10 in Phoenix where right before cameras it goes from a silly 65 to a stupid 55. The number of lanes is the same (4) no visible change to the road, no construction.
The only thing that changes is there is a camera 300 feet ahead.
There are stretches of Baseline, a six lane (3 in each direction) street in Phoenix that has a 50mph limit how can an interstate be 5 miles faster?
I hate revenue generating plans that are concealed as safety measures.
There are stretches on the 10 in Phoenix where right before cameras it goes from a silly 65 to a stupid 55. The number of lanes is the same (4) no visible change to the road, no construction.
The only thing that changes is there is a camera 300 feet ahead.
There are stretches of Baseline, a six lane (3 in each direction) street in Phoenix that has a 50mph limit how can an interstate be 5 miles faster?
I hate revenue generating plans that are concealed as safety measures.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
It's my understanding that traffic engineers use the 85- percentile rule to set speed limits generally (absent NHTSA speed limits, local politician interference or accident risk reduction factors).
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From: NY
Hell would freeze over before any road in NJ would have a speed limit over 65.
This doesn't change the fact that on the NJ Turnpike, in rush hour traffic, most everyone does 80+. Anything less and you are asking to get run off the road. The cops are fine with it as long as you don't act stupid. They just sit on the side and watch.
But no politician here would ever raise speed limits. There's too much revenue to be made in tickets.
This doesn't change the fact that on the NJ Turnpike, in rush hour traffic, most everyone does 80+. Anything less and you are asking to get run off the road. The cops are fine with it as long as you don't act stupid. They just sit on the side and watch.
But no politician here would ever raise speed limits. There's too much revenue to be made in tickets.
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One on the right for me
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From: Bay Area, CA
There are some areas where I think 55 or 65 is highly appropriate. There are also just as many areas where 70-75 would not be a problem. Hard for me to complain around here though because there are not too many open roads.
I do think that I-5 needs to up the speed limit
I do think that I-5 needs to up the speed limit
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From: Japan
Having lived in Germany for over 10 years, there is something to add to the speed limit argument.
Over there, the laws are pretty tough, and you must obey the traffic laws (drive on the right, pass only on the left, use signal indicators for all moves, etc...). Because these things are strictly enforced, the drivers are a lot more predictable. With this comes speed, and that is why the Autobahn is successful. Add to it that a license is about $2000, and you must attend driving school and drive in all conditions. If you lose your license (through stupidity or Polizei action), you have to go through the process again.
In the US, people think that their $25 well spent gives them a right to do as they please. They forget driving is a privilege extended to them by the state. You do not have a right to drive. Being as this may, people drive anyway they like, at any speed, in any lane, and do not use signals / follow road laws.
Speed does not kill. Not following driving laws, and not punishing those that don't kills.
Over there, the laws are pretty tough, and you must obey the traffic laws (drive on the right, pass only on the left, use signal indicators for all moves, etc...). Because these things are strictly enforced, the drivers are a lot more predictable. With this comes speed, and that is why the Autobahn is successful. Add to it that a license is about $2000, and you must attend driving school and drive in all conditions. If you lose your license (through stupidity or Polizei action), you have to go through the process again.
In the US, people think that their $25 well spent gives them a right to do as they please. They forget driving is a privilege extended to them by the state. You do not have a right to drive. Being as this may, people drive anyway they like, at any speed, in any lane, and do not use signals / follow road laws.
Speed does not kill. Not following driving laws, and not punishing those that don't kills.
^ Germany does thing right. Costs quite a bit to get a license, fines are high, etc. Over there they understand driving is a privilege and not a right.
Additionally, the fact that the autobahn has a lower death rate then the US Interstates should tell you something. They do not have speed limits on some stretches of road which proves that it's not the speed itself that kills... it's the lack of driver training and the roads themselves.
As for speeds, there are some highways once you get out of Charlotte which are 70mph, so for those I usually set the cruise at 75-77 and just go. Most of the roads locally are 65mph though...
Additionally, the fact that the autobahn has a lower death rate then the US Interstates should tell you something. They do not have speed limits on some stretches of road which proves that it's not the speed itself that kills... it's the lack of driver training and the roads themselves.
As for speeds, there are some highways once you get out of Charlotte which are 70mph, so for those I usually set the cruise at 75-77 and just go. Most of the roads locally are 65mph though...
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Having lived in Germany for over 10 years, there is something to add to the speed limit argument.
Over there, the laws are pretty tough, and you must obey the traffic laws (drive on the right, pass only on the left, use signal indicators for all moves, etc...). Because these things are strictly enforced, the drivers are a lot more predictable. With this comes speed, and that is why the Autobahn is successful. Add to it that a license is about $2000, and you must attend driving school and drive in all conditions. If you lose your license (through stupidity or Polizei action), you have to go through the process again.
In the US, people think that their $25 well spent gives them a right to do as they please. They forget driving is a privilege extended to them by the state. You do not have a right to drive. Being as this may, people drive anyway they like, at any speed, in any lane, and do not use signals / follow road laws.
Speed does not kill. Not following driving laws, and not punishing those that don't kills.
Over there, the laws are pretty tough, and you must obey the traffic laws (drive on the right, pass only on the left, use signal indicators for all moves, etc...). Because these things are strictly enforced, the drivers are a lot more predictable. With this comes speed, and that is why the Autobahn is successful. Add to it that a license is about $2000, and you must attend driving school and drive in all conditions. If you lose your license (through stupidity or Polizei action), you have to go through the process again.
In the US, people think that their $25 well spent gives them a right to do as they please. They forget driving is a privilege extended to them by the state. You do not have a right to drive. Being as this may, people drive anyway they like, at any speed, in any lane, and do not use signals / follow road laws.
Speed does not kill. Not following driving laws, and not punishing those that don't kills.
It would result in more revenue for the state, and most likely there would be a huge drop in accidents, DUIs, fatalities, moving violations, etc. And it should cost $1000 and going through any other legislation they currently have to get your license reinstated if it gets suspended.
There are too many people with dog shit for brains out on the road right now. Driving would be a much less stressful experience if the laws were more strict.
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That's just how it is.... for some people, no matter how intelligent they are, sometimes their brain just doesn't operate as effectively when they're behind the wheel. Still, it's never going to happen, even if it actually gets proposed. Everyone's going to raise a big stink about how unfair it is and how it's not going to work and
Our laws are just flawed, period. How the hell was talking on a cell phone banned, yet it required another law afterwards that forbade texting behind the wheel? Isn't that common sense? It doesn't take a damn study that proves texting behind the wheel is more dangerous than being drunk behind the wheel. Oh wait a minute.... we're talking about politicians and legislators
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From: Space Coast, FL
That's great they raised it to 80MPH, but the problem is that people need to take better care when driving, and take better care of their cars. I can go to any College or HS parking lot and show you cars that could cause an accident due to mechanical failure such as brake failure, tire failure, etc.
If anything, there should be a federal mandated inspection for basic things to make sure your turn signals work, brakes and brake lights work, headlights work, tires are good and brakes are good. Just simple basic things that could keep us safer. As well it could be simple to the point where it takes about 30 minutes to do, costs the owner 25 bucks. Of course there would be no emissions or DOT compliance checking (for those of us who love cleared headlights)
As well there are a bunch of people who can't drive properly, today on my way home I encountered a car going 55 in the left lane of I-95, I flashed my high-beams and this person still didn't move over. Did it again and nothing. I was forced to pass on the right and this woman was talking on the phone (head sandwiched phone with her shoulder) and was literally filing her nails while holding the steering wheel on a freaking interstate. It's folks like these who deserve to have their licenses shoved up their asses
If anything, there should be a federal mandated inspection for basic things to make sure your turn signals work, brakes and brake lights work, headlights work, tires are good and brakes are good. Just simple basic things that could keep us safer. As well it could be simple to the point where it takes about 30 minutes to do, costs the owner 25 bucks. Of course there would be no emissions or DOT compliance checking (for those of us who love cleared headlights)
As well there are a bunch of people who can't drive properly, today on my way home I encountered a car going 55 in the left lane of I-95, I flashed my high-beams and this person still didn't move over. Did it again and nothing. I was forced to pass on the right and this woman was talking on the phone (head sandwiched phone with her shoulder) and was literally filing her nails while holding the steering wheel on a freaking interstate. It's folks like these who deserve to have their licenses shoved up their asses
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From: Portland, Oregon
A few years ago Oregon tried to raise the limit from 65 to 70. Keep in mind Oregon is the ONLY state west of the Mississippi to have speed limit below 70 mph and the only one to restrict trucks to 55. The proposal would have permitted a 70 mph limit for cars and a 60 mph limit for trucks on rural interstates. It passed the Senate but was vetoed by the governor because he claimed that 'trucks traveling at 60 mph is a danger to the traveling public' or some 
like that.
They just don't want OSP to miss out on fining people for going 72 in a 65 on a road designed for 75-80 mph.
like that.They just don't want OSP to miss out on fining people for going 72 in a 65 on a road designed for 75-80 mph.
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
We'll never have Autobahn like highways/speeds because we will never have lane discipline.
What's every good driver's #1 Rural interstate complaint? Left lane bandits - stupid bastards.
What's every good driver's #1 Rural interstate complaint? Left lane bandits - stupid bastards.
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From: Japan
A few years ago Oregon tried to raise the limit from 65 to 70. Keep in mind Oregon is the ONLY state west of the Mississippi to have speed limit below 70 mph and the only one to restrict trucks to 55. The proposal would have permitted a 70 mph limit for cars and a 60 mph limit for trucks on rural interstates. It passed the Senate but was vetoed by the governor because he claimed that 'trucks traveling at 60 mph is a danger to the traveling public' or some like that.
They just don't want OSP to miss out on fining people for going 72 in a 65 on a road designed for 75-80 mph.
like that.They just don't want OSP to miss out on fining people for going 72 in a 65 on a road designed for 75-80 mph.
Also, no trucks are allowed on the Autobahn on Sundays, except for those with an exception (very perishable foods, medical transport, etc...). They do obey this, and you'll see few trucks.
The US could do this with a $500 license fee, plus mandatory schooling (part of the price). But once you lose the license, you have to start the process over again. That would deter the "left lane bandits".
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From: North Carolina
the speed limit on the highway near me is 70-I set my cruise to 73-75, try to stay in the right lane and watch alot of other driver's pass me.
Agreed... but again, goes back to lack of driver training and the licensing requirements in the US compared to Germany. We need to completely overhaul our DMV and licensing requirements.
But also true in cities.
I drove 45 miles each way this morning I was stuck behind no less than 20 different people cruising in the PASSING lane, at least 25% of which were semis.
Several were large trucks (flat beds, cement mixers etc).
What possible reason does a big truck have to be in that lane when the freeway was cruising at 10mph+ over the limit?
On the way back a semi almost hit a car when it without warning moved out of it's lane to avoid having to slow for a slower moving vehicle.
The "professional" drivers I see lately don't seem to have any right having any type of license at all.
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That's great they raised it to 80MPH, but the problem is that people need to take better care when driving, and take better care of their cars. I can go to any College or HS parking lot and show you cars that could cause an accident due to mechanical failure such as brake failure, tire failure, etc.
If anything, there should be a federal mandated inspection for basic things to make sure your turn signals work, brakes and brake lights work, headlights work, tires are good and brakes are good. Just simple basic things that could keep us safer. As well it could be simple to the point where it takes about 30 minutes to do, costs the owner 25 bucks. Of course there would be no emissions or DOT compliance checking (for those of us who love cleared headlights)
As well there are a bunch of people who can't drive properly, today on my way home I encountered a car going 55 in the left lane of I-95, I flashed my high-beams and this person still didn't move over. Did it again and nothing. I was forced to pass on the right and this woman was talking on the phone (head sandwiched phone with her shoulder) and was literally filing her nails while holding the steering wheel on a freaking interstate. It's folks like these who deserve to have their licenses shoved up their asses
If anything, there should be a federal mandated inspection for basic things to make sure your turn signals work, brakes and brake lights work, headlights work, tires are good and brakes are good. Just simple basic things that could keep us safer. As well it could be simple to the point where it takes about 30 minutes to do, costs the owner 25 bucks. Of course there would be no emissions or DOT compliance checking (for those of us who love cleared headlights)
As well there are a bunch of people who can't drive properly, today on my way home I encountered a car going 55 in the left lane of I-95, I flashed my high-beams and this person still didn't move over. Did it again and nothing. I was forced to pass on the right and this woman was talking on the phone (head sandwiched phone with her shoulder) and was literally filing her nails while holding the steering wheel on a freaking interstate. It's folks like these who deserve to have their licenses shoved up their asses
There have been more & more tire caps on the road the last three months or so. I have one to "thank" for my new bumper cover.
It also seems as states have less budget road maintenance is going to hell. There is so much junk on the road, side of the road and in Ca. there are plants growing out of the seams between the road and shoulder!!
It also seems as states have less budget road maintenance is going to hell. There is so much junk on the road, side of the road and in Ca. there are plants growing out of the seams between the road and shoulder!!
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There have been more & more tire caps on the road the last three months or so. I have one to "thank" for my new bumper cover.
It also seems as states have less budget road maintenance is going to hell. There is so much junk on the road, side of the road and in Ca. there are plants growing out of the seams between the road and shoulder!!
It also seems as states have less budget road maintenance is going to hell. There is so much junk on the road, side of the road and in Ca. there are plants growing out of the seams between the road and shoulder!!
that's what happens when morons in control of your state decide to make it an illigal immigrat haven....less money for other things as it is all getting eaten up by human services and teaching classes in spanish cause people are too effing lazy to learn how to speak English...
On the Austin toll roads it's 70 but there is soooo much room and so little traffic on most of it 70 seems slow and it makes you want to do 90. I've seen some people get on the toll road and do 55; probably hyper-mileing.
.... .... .... ... ....
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From: N Y C
you guys should be lucky to live in states with such "high" speed limits...
NYC sucks...they are speed limits of 40mph which really fucking sucks
the highest we have in brooklyn is 50mph
NYC sucks...they are speed limits of 40mph which really fucking sucks
the highest we have in brooklyn is 50mph
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From: Cleveland area, OH
I love my yearly trip out west to Colorado. My speed is a constant 75-80 on I-70.
In Ohio, I'm 10-15 over the limit in rural areas and 15-20 in urban areas. Luckily, enforcement is lax.
In Indiana, I'm only 5-10 over the limit.
In Illinois....sigh.
In Missouri....5-10 over the limit.
In Kansas.....5-10 over the limit, and it's the only state I've gotten more than one warning in over the last ten years, for driving 5 mph over and 8 mph over.
No ticket, though! Pays to be nice.
In Colorado..... 75 is the speed limit in rural areas, so I drive at or 5 above the limit there.
I wish that in every state, in rural areas, there was a national speed maximum of 75-80 mph on Interstates. That would make driving more consistent from state to state. There is already a national speed minimum of 40 mph on Interstates, how hard can it be to get a national maximum? Oh, I forgot, politicians have to set that.
In Ohio, I'm 10-15 over the limit in rural areas and 15-20 in urban areas. Luckily, enforcement is lax.
In Indiana, I'm only 5-10 over the limit.
In Illinois....sigh.
In Missouri....5-10 over the limit.
In Kansas.....5-10 over the limit, and it's the only state I've gotten more than one warning in over the last ten years, for driving 5 mph over and 8 mph over.
No ticket, though! Pays to be nice.In Colorado..... 75 is the speed limit in rural areas, so I drive at or 5 above the limit there.
I wish that in every state, in rural areas, there was a national speed maximum of 75-80 mph on Interstates. That would make driving more consistent from state to state. There is already a national speed minimum of 40 mph on Interstates, how hard can it be to get a national maximum? Oh, I forgot, politicians have to set that.
Speed limits should only be enforced in populated areas. Rural areas should have no speed limit.
Too add about the autobahn, the maximum recommended speed is 130 Kph. You can go faster than that, if you want, but insurance WILL NOT cover you in the event of an accident. The driver assumes the risk. This helps to alleviate crazy drivers, as well.
If they made the speed limit 600 mph, nobody would ever "speed".
Too add about the autobahn, the maximum recommended speed is 130 Kph. You can go faster than that, if you want, but insurance WILL NOT cover you in the event of an accident. The driver assumes the risk. This helps to alleviate crazy drivers, as well.
If they made the speed limit 600 mph, nobody would ever "speed".
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From: 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114
I wish that in every state, in rural areas, there was a national speed maximum of 75-80 mph on Interstates. That would make driving more consistent from state to state. There is already a national speed minimum of 40 mph on Interstates, how hard can it be to get a national maximum? Oh, I forgot, politicians have to set that.
Do you have any links or more information on this national minimum speed law?
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From: Cleveland area, OH
Hmm, a national minimum speed? I have never heard of this one nor have I ever seen a "Minimum Speed" sign in Massachusetts. I see them all the time when I cross the border to New Hampshire. I also was once told by an officer (local not state) in MA that there was no "minimum speed limit" although in that particular case we were talking about a rural road not an interstate.
Do you have any links or more information on this national minimum speed law?
Do you have any links or more information on this national minimum speed law?
Bad habit I have. 