Time to revise US speed limits?

Question

Other countries have higher speed limits, or none at all and still maintain safety on their roads. Todays cars are built better, stronger, and faster. If the driver can manage it safely, I think they should be able to legally do it.

Should overall speed limits be raised? Should there be a period of time at night when the road is desolate where the speed limit is autobahn style? It really wouldn't endanger anyone so long as slow drivers kept to the slow lane as they should.

Answer 1

You failed to mention fuel economy.

They may just end up lowering the speed limits like they did in the 70's during the oil embargo.

As much as I love to drive fast, vehicles get better fuel economy at 55 MPH than at 100 MPH

They also produce less emissions at 55 MPH than at 100 MPH.

The Europeans dont care about saving fuel or the environment.  They want everyone else to do it for them.

Answer 2

I agree with raising it but what about the drivers because the specific effects of speed limit changes on driver behavior include changes in the speed distribution, driver compliance, and close following.

Answer 3

Personally, the road would have to accommodate your plan. Perhaps a four to six lane super highway with the far left lane dedicated to an increase in speed. I have no idea what that speed should be. Night time driving is pretty dangerous because of poor lighting on most cars.

I know you were pinched lately for driving way too fast at night. If you'd have hit a deer and it crashed through your windshield you wouldn't be writing this request.

I rode back and forth to work with a friend who was killed going 50-55 in a full sized Chevy pickup by hitting a dear. His wife was riding beside him and she survived. You have no idea how hard it is to miss a 250 lb. buck as it crosses in front of you sailing along at 100 MPH. When you do it with a slope nosed car it'll tear the roof clean off.

What we all drive on the highway nowadays is not close to being built properly for high speed stuff. Wheel bearings and spindles are tinker toys. Tires and those pretty aluminum wheels come from off- shore companies like Korea, China and our new border friends in Mexico. Keep this in mind, every d**n part on your car is made by the lowest bidder.

Tony Stewart, Jimmy Johnson and the new cheater in town, Carl Edwards have super heavy duty hand made spesialized parts in their chassis and motors. They can take a hit. Everyone elses car has 0 protection compared to theirs.

Answer 4

Other countries also have much more in depth road test then we do here in the US. I dont think a majority of drivers are capable/qualified for driving a car fast just because they have the money to spend on a sports car. I know too many people who cant change a spare, dont know how to check their oil and cant tell me how many cylinders their engine is. You really want these people blowing down the highway doing 100mph? I think the speed limit COULD be raised but if and only if we have a much more in depth and challenging road test.

Answer 5

We have too many idiots to make an Autobahn. Maybe add an extra 5 MPH, we'll be fine.

Answer 6

I think Montana tried that and it was a failure. We are so in tune with a certain speed that we haven't the mentality of the Germans and their autobahn. Plus, our roads are crammed with ignorant people who shouldn't drive at all. And they would be the very one you'd slam into at 140mph in the left lane. No, the speed limits are just fine. With todays gas prices, we actually need to slow down to conserve fuel. Can you imagine what our car insurance would cost? I don't want to thunk about it.

Answer 7

An unlimited speed limit would encourage recklessness among drivers with poor judgment.  Fuel efficiency for most vehicles is optimal around a constant 40 mph.  It is too easy for US drivers to get a license, and then to renew the license by mail, so there are incompetent drivers.  Roads are designed with specific speeds in mind, so at speeds in excess of design, cars can't stay on the road in horizontal curves, and, on vertical curves, headlights can't illuminate far enough.  Drivers choose their speed based on roadway conditions, not on posted speed, unless there is significant police presence.

Answer 8

Yes it is time to look at speed limits.  During my commute to work I drive on a completely rebuilt section of I-65.  Three lanes each way of new concrete.  Wide shoulders and solid concrete dividers.  And the speed limit is still 55 mph.  Just for the heck of it I have sat in the RIGHT hand lane with my cruise set on 55 mph.  On each trip I passed NO ONE.  No one drives on that section of road at the posted speed limit.  

All the drivers are voting with their right foot.  At least I would like to see the limit raised to 60 or 65 which is more in tune with what I see as the average speed.  

As anyone driven across Illinois and Iowa on I-80.  for those that haven't, there is nothing out there except farm land.  Speed limit thru these two states are 70 mph.  Then you cross into Nebraska.  Bless the law makers of the Nebraska, the speed limit is 75 mph.  Same for Colorado.  It is interesting during my time driving on these roads, 75 mph feels like a proper speed.  I encountered very few people driving 90 plus.  

I would like to see the speed limits raised on the urban section of highways.

That's my views.

Answer 9

I think I am on your side. I regularly drive 80 mph on the freeways and everyone else is doing the same or faster. My Mercedes is engineered to cruise comfortably and quite safely at that speed. However I do feel that if we raise speed limits then there should be some sort of lane control to keep the 58 MPH Priuses over to the right.

Everyone is so concerned about the fuel shortage and the prices that I think this has little chance of passing anytime soon.