THE CHALLENGE OF 55: BALANCING COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT

The sense of the 55 mph speed limit as a concept is discussed, and the arguments for and against it are noted. Enforcement of the speed limit in California is discussed, and it is noted that the real issue is not enforcement but the broad question of motorist acceptance of the 55 mph requirement. A California Highway Patrol and Caltrans report to the legislature is discussed. The report considered the following: a comparison of California enforcement and compliance with those of other states; effectiveness of current policies; and an evaluation of the $5 energy fine. A public opinion survey included in the survey is also discussed. The article notes that California believes that a selective, judicious increase in the maximum speed limit, especially on rural interstate freeways, would not jeorpadize motorist safety.

• Corporate Authors:

  International Association of Chiefs of Police

  11 Firstfield Road
  Gaithersburg, MD  United States  20760
• Publication Date: 1986-7

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 50-52
• Serial:
  • POLICE CHIEF
  • Volume: 53
  • Issue Number: 7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: 55 mph speed limit; Compliance; Data collection; Highway safety; Rural highways; Surveys; Traffic law enforcement
• Identifier Terms: Interstate Highway System
• Geographic Terms: California
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00495921
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-039 943
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1990 12:00AM