THE EFFECT OF THE 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN ILLINOIS

The original intention of the 55 mph speed limit law following the Middle East Oil Embargo was to reduce gasoline consumption. A substantial reduction in traffic accidents, particularly fatal accidents, was experienced as a result of both the fuel shortage and the lowered speed limit. The State of Illinois experienced statistically significant reductions in fatal and injury accidents on Federal Aid Interstate and other State marked routes during the 55 mph speed limit time period. In addition, there were reductions in accidents on all road types, regardless of posted speed limit, during the period of the fuel shortage (October 1973-March 1974).

• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Klein, T M
• Publication Date: 1980-4-17

Media Info

• Pagination: 16 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Energy conservation; Energy resources; Fatalities; Fuel consumption; Highways; Impacts; Injuries; Safety and security; Speed limits; Statistical analysis; Traffic crashes; Transportation safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Energy crisis
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Energy; Environment; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I81: Accident Statistics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00318507
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transportation Statistical Reference File, TSC
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-HS-805-400 Tech Rpt., HS-805 400
• Files: NTIS, TSR, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 27 1982 12:00AM