New Study Reveals Rising Speed Limits Cause More Deaths

By Staff Writer

A recent study conducted by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) released new data that concludes when speed limits are raised, fatal accidents also increase. Forty-one states were analyzed over a period of twenty years from 1993 to 2013.  During this study period, 33,000 deaths occurred because of auto accidents.

The study took into consideration a variety of factors when analyzing their results. They considered alcohol consumption and the number of drivers between the ages of 16 to 24 per capita.  They also looked at the states’ geography and types of roadways traveled. It was determined that the number of fatalities rose 8% per 5 mph increase on interstates and freeways.

In 1973, Congress set a 55mph maximum speed limit. This was not done for safety purposes, however.  It was because there was a fuel shortage at the time. In 1987, the limits were raised to 65mph on rural interstates and in 1995, all nationwide limitations were repealed and it was determined that states should be allowed to set their own limits.  Currently, six states have allowed speeds of up to 80 mph, and divers in Texas can legally drive at 85mph on some roads!

In Tennessee, it is against the law to drive under 55mph on an interstate or highway that is part of the state system. On Tennessee interstates and rural highways, the maximum speed limit is 70mph.

Many devastating consequences can occur from high speed accidents.  Your life is more important then saving a few minutes of time. If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in an auto accident due to another driver obeying excessive speed limits, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys.  To read more information regarding auto accidents, check out our Learning Center.

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