DESIGNED FOR SPEED: HOW ROADS ARE ENGINEERED

A speed limit can be defined as the highest allowable speed on a section or type of road. Speed limits are based on a number of variables including, but not limited to, road surface characteristics, speed patterns, crash experiences, and public demand. Traveling at or near the speed limit generally allows drivers to maximize their mobility. For example, traffic control signal phasing is based on vehicles traveling at or near the posted speed limit. Also, roads are designed to allow motorists to drive at posted speeds through all geometric features. Often, temporary speed reductions are posted to allow for special circumstances, such as work zones, weather, or school zones. Overall, the aim of the speed limit is to protect drivers and pedestrians.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01474820
• Corporate Authors:

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Publication Date: 1996

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 13-15
• Serial:
  • AASHTO Quarterly Magazine
  • Volume: 75
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
  • ISSN: 0147-4820

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction sites; Crash risk forecasting; Geometry; Highway design; Mobility; Public opinion; Risk assessment; Safety; Schools; Speed control; Speed limits; Traffic signal control systems; Traffic speed; Variables
• Uncontrolled Terms: Road conditions; Speed reduction
• Old TRIS Terms: Speed patterns
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I81: Accident Statistics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00730823
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 3 1997 12:00AM