THE 55-MPH SPEED LIMIT: A REVIEW

The current status of knowledge regarding the fifty-five mile per hour speed limit is summarized, indicating the complexity of evaluating the safety impact of the reduced speed limit. The following factors are considered: motor vehicle travel, speed limit reduction differences, driver behavior, enforcement, accident reporting systems, data base deficiencies, roadway improvements, roadway condition and maintenance, and motor vehicle design changes. Conclusions/recommendations are cited from 55 mph evaluation studies by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, University of Washington, Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, and Department of Transportation. These studies and available information indicate that there has been a change in traffic behavior and accident experience since the late 1973 and early 1974 period (the 55 mph law enacted in January 1974) but that there is disagreement related to cause and effect. It is recommended that national attention be focused on the current costs and benefits of the 55 mph speed limit to provide full documentation for either support or rejection of this controversial speed control measure.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared by Committee on Traffic and Highway Safety of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Publication Date: 1980-5

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 299-308
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 106
  • Issue Number: TE3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: 55 mph speed limit; Behavior; Benefits; Costs; Crash rates; Drivers; Evaluation
• Subject Areas: Finance; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390528
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 909
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM