5.3: SPEED LIMITS HELP IN REDUCING RISK

The most important requirements for safe driving are visibility, time, and space together they determine the speed at which you can travel safely. 

Speed limits are chosen carefully to protect you and other drivers. Traffic engineers study road conditions and evaluate the road surface, the average amount of traffic, and any hidden dangers? Further studies may also be conducted to see if limits should be lowered as congestion increases.

What Kinds of Speed Limits Are There?

Speed limit signs reflect the maximum speed at which you can drive under the best of conditions. All states have basic speed limits that mean you cannot drive at speeds slower or faster than conditions safely permit. 

•  Fixed Speed Limits are the maximum speed and minimum speed that a car may be driven on a particular roadway. Drivers may never travel at a speed faster than the maximum posted speed, otherwise, the driver can be arrested and made to pay a fine. Drivers can also be arrested and ticketed for driving too slowly as traveling below the minimum posted speed limit can be dangerous to other drivers who must suddenly slow down when they approach this car. Slow drivers can also make other drivers nervous and angry causing traffic congestion.

• Advisory Speed Limits interrupt normal driving speed for a limited time providing guidelines for adjusting speed on hills, curves, and other changes in the roadway.

• Day and Night Speed Limits may vary from state to state. Night driving is more dangerous because it is harder to see in the night thus some states have lower speed limits at night. Driving at a lower speed gives drivers more time to search for visual clues and to identify objects or conditions that could increase risk.

What Are Basic Speed Laws?

All states have a basic speed rule in their traffic laws that says: Always drive at a speed that is reasonable and proper for existing conditions. A safe speed at any time is determined by the type and condition of the road and by such factors as the traffic, weather, and light. By law drivers must go slower than the minimum posted speed if poor road or traffic conditions make that speed unsafe. 

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is never safe or reasonable and is always illegal. The higher the speed:

• The less time the driver has to spot dangerous situations and take action
• The greater the time and distance it takes to stop a vehicle
• The greater the chance the car will skid or roll over on a turn
• The greater the force of impact will be in a collision
• The greater the personal injuries and property damage will be in a collision

Drivers can be arrested for driving too slowly.