Increase speed limits nation wide

Energy & Infrastructure Transportation
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Speed limits in the United States were first federally mandated in 1974, during the oil crisis, with the National Maximum Speed Law setting a cap of 55 mph on all highways. While the law was primarily aimed at conserving fuel, it also reflected the safety limitations of vehicles and road designs of that era. Today, many argue that speed limits on certain roads, particularly highways, should be increased due to advancements in vehicle safety and braking technology, as well as improvements in road infrastructure.

Advances in Vehicle Safety

Since the 1970s, vehicle safety has dramatically improved. For instance, modern vehicles now feature advanced safety systems like anti-lock braking systems (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance systems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ESC alone reduces the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about 50% and can reduce the likelihood of a fatal rollover by as much as 80%. In addition, modern cars are designed with crumple zones and reinforced passenger compartments, which significantly reduce the risk of injury in high-speed accidents.

Improved Braking and Handling

Braking technology has also come a long way. For example, the average stopping distance for cars at 60 mph has decreased by approximately 30% over the last few decades. Advances in tire technology, suspension systems, and overall vehicle design mean that today’s vehicles can safely maintain control at higher speeds than vehicles in the 1970s. For instance, modern braking systems can bring a vehicle from 70 mph to a complete stop in about 190 feet, compared to over 300 feet in older cars.

Road Infrastructure Improvements

Highway and road design has improved significantly, further supporting the case for higher speed limits. Many highways now have smoother, wider lanes, improved lighting, and better signage. Divided highways, rumble strips, and guardrails have also contributed to reducing fatal accidents on higher-speed roads. Studies show that roads designed for higher speeds see fewer accidents when the speed limit reflects the actual driving behavior of most motorists. According to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fatal crashes are less frequent on well-maintained, divided highways even at speeds of 70 mph and above.

Conclusion

The 55 mph speed limit imposed in the 1970s no longer reflects the capabilities of modern vehicles or the design of today’s highways. With vehicles now featuring cutting-edge safety and braking technologies and roads built to handle higher speeds, selectively raising speed limits could provide smoother, more efficient travel while aligning with real-world driving behaviors.

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While our new vehicles are capable of traveling faster and more safely than ever before, a crucial element is being overlooked: the operators. Some drivers may be able to handle higher speeds with ease, but others might not be comfortable or capable of doing so. This discrepancy can force less confident drivers to either exceed their comfort limits or drive significantly slower, leading to hazardous conditions. For this reason, traffic must flow at a consistent speed, which is why certain vehicles are restricted from interstate roadways. Although advancements in vehicle safety features have undoubtedly improved overall safety, these benefits could be undermined by an increase in the frequency and severity of accidents at higher speed limits. Ultimately, it is not the vehicles that are the limiting factor, but the drivers themselves.

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Please take a moment to consider and upvote the following proposal I created, as it shares some similarities with yours: Traffic Enforcement Reform Policy: Promoting Safety, Fairness, and Transparency - #3 by OneVish

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While it’s true that driver capability varies, raising speed limits could still be safe and effective when paired with clear road rules and enforcement. The German Autobahn is a prime example: on many stretches, there is no speed limit, yet it consistently ranks among the safest highways in Europe. In fact, Germany’s road fatality rate per billion vehicle kilometers is 40% lower than in the U.S. Part of this success is due to well-enforced “keep right” policies, which ensure slower traffic stays to the right and faster drivers use the left lanes. This practice allows for a smoother, more predictable traffic flow and reduces the risk of accidents from sudden speed variations—a system that could benefit U.S. highways if adopted with higher speed limits.

Additionally, many of the accidents on U.S. highways already occur at current legal speeds, often due to factors other than speed, such as distracted or impaired driving. Research from the IIHS shows that most drivers travel at speeds they consider safe regardless of the posted limit, often leading to speed disparities that cause accidents. By setting speed limits that align with real-world driving patterns, the U.S. could reduce the mismatch in speeds and create safer, more consistent traffic flow.

Raising speed limits doesn’t imply a requirement for all drivers to travel at maximum speeds; rather, it accommodates those with the capability and comfort to drive faster, while allowing others to travel at speeds appropriate for them—particularly if a “keep right” culture were enforced. On the Autobahn, slower drivers stay to the right, making it safe for faster vehicles to pass. Implementing similar road etiquette could mitigate potential issues from speed discrepancies in the U.S., allowing for both safe, higher-speed travel and predictable lane discipline.

Finally, while it’s true that not every driver is equally comfortable at higher speeds, modern vehicle safety features mitigate many risks. Features like lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control can help less confident drivers maintain control and situational awareness at higher speeds. With clear lane discipline and responsible speed limits, U.S. highways could harness the capabilities of modern vehicles, enhancing travel efficiency without compromising safety.

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I agree with the concept that advanced safety features can facilitate higher travel speeds. However, we are approaching a point where, to ensure public safety, vehicles will need to operate independently of human drivers. Essentially, removing the human element from the equation will enable us to achieve both higher speeds and enhanced safety simultaneously. Presently, our situation can be likened to a balance scale: as one side rises, the other falls. It is also important to note that speed remains the most significant contributing factor to accident severity.

The “keep right” concept is already in place in many regions, but its effectiveness is limited due to individuals’ disregard or lack of seriousness about it. Driving should be viewed as a cooperative task that necessitates acting in unison rather than individually. While I am not asserting how many people fall into either category, it only takes a few inconsiderate drivers to create significant disruptions for everyone.

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Modern vehicles on modern roads are capable of traveling significantly faster in a safe manner than vehicles of years past. It is time to increase speeds limits and in certain areas remove them entirely.

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Exactly. Thank you

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I agree almost completely. Rumble strips, especially the center ones are dangerous in general. They are destructive to suspensions and deadly to motorcyclist.