Speed Limits On Highways example essay topic

... ir speed limits, there was a surprising change. Out of the 26 states over half of them observed an increase in fatalities per one hundred million miles. But the fact that the total death rate is down from 24,911 people in 1995 to 24,855 in 1996 is of much more importance. Some of the most notable decreases in fatalities include Mississippi- down 21 percent, and Montana -down 10 percent (Chaser).

Montana is a wonderful example not only because of its decrease in fatalities but because of its unique situation. Montana is presently the only state where there is no daytime speed limit on the highways. California is also experiencing records with its lowest fatality rate since 1959. The average deaths per a year in California were 5500 people. However, since the repeal of the NML S in 1995 the deaths per a year have dropped to only 5200. Since 1959 California's population has doubled and the amount of cars and trucks has nearly tripled (Johnson).

Other countries of note that have had raised issues with speed and fatalities in the past are Germany, India, and the Philippines. What do these three countries have in common? They all abolished their speed limits. Although the amount of fatalities in these countries is often higher, the amount of miles traveled is substantially higher. As a result, their death rate per hundred miles is not much more than that of the United States. Germany has also managed to make up for its increase in accidents by creating cars with superior safety from the likes of Volkswagen to Mercedes-Benz.

People generally think that with a higher speed limit or no speed limit at all like Germany that motorists will increase their speeds greatly. The thought that motorists will drive approximately ten to fifteen miles faster than the posted speed limit is generally false. After looking at the 85th percentile this idea becomes clear. In a study performed by an independent group called, 'The Society of Automotive Engineers,' it was found that people rarely respond to posted speed limits. The SAE found that approximately 85 percent of people do not take into consideration the posted speed limit while driving (Johnson).

People drive at what speed they feel is safe and a speed that they feel is comfortable for the existing road conditions. Thus, if there were to be no speed limit at all people would still drive at what speed seems safest to them. The reason that most of these people are said to be speeding is that government sets limits that are often lower than the highest safe speed limit that could be imposed. The dramatic increase in those obeying the speed limit in a recent Wisconsin study shows that individuals drive at what speed seems safe to them. In 1995, before the state had a speed increase, only approximately 8.0% of drivers were found to be obeying the speed limit. In 1996 when the speed limit was increased, 35.1% of drivers obeyed the speed laws (Shemmens).

This 310% change shows that people will continue to drive at their own pace. But it is important to keep in mind the other 64.9 drivers who feel that it is safe to drive at a higher speed. Increasing speed limits on highways would allow those who drive at a higher speed without a ticket. The largest study done by our own government further encourages this theory.

The United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration performed a study of 22 states and over 100 sites before and after speed limits were altered. The study involved a long-term approach on 14 of the sites. The study found that lowering the speed limit as much as 20 miles per hour and increasing it as much as 15 miles per hour has little effect on speed. The findings were also that when the speed limit is below the 50 percentile, that is 50 out of 100 driver's speed's, it did not decrease the speed of individuals or decrease accidents but it did increase the number of speeding violations (Shemmens). The problems caused by speed limits on the highways can not only be solved by looking at the many misconceptions that people have about speed but by looking at the many advantages of no speed limits on highways. The advantages of abolishing speed limits on highways have rarely been noticed.

Advocates of the mandatory national speed limit in 1974 not only claimed that a speed limit of 55 miles per hour would save lives but that it would also help to cut pollution 1%. It is true that when cars run faster they burn fuel quicker and end up polluting faster. However it is important to note that cars only account for 2.3% of man made green house gases. That is a miniscule amount compared to the many incinerates around the country, which contributes up to 3 times as much (Shemmens). What is more important is that people are allowed to travel faster, and tend to go to places more frequently. This 'traveling effect' causes an increase in business, which in turn helps to boost the economy.

People do not only end up buying more gas, they end up buying more electronics, more food, and more goods at the new places they visit. Quick travel leads to more free time. As a result they will have more time to complete tasks, increase quality as well as productivity. One can easily see that a job would be done better or more would be produced. People will also live with less stress. It is my opinion that slower driving and traffic is a major part of stress.

People will be able to have the feeling of exhilaration that you can only get from realizing that speed is the key to life. The thrill of a fast ride not only gives you the experience of exhilaration but the knowledge that less of your life is being wasted away in a slow stressful environment. They won't worry as much about being late. They will have more time for recreation. Increasing speed limits will not only increase the well being of drivers, but it will have a positive affect on others. Police will no longer have to spend their precious time setting up speed traps and going to court to prosecute 'offenders.

' They will now be able to focus their time on more serious crimes such as robbery and murder. Changing the speed limit is a benefit that can be observed by all, because of such a reward, not just those behind the wheel. In conclusion, the public's lack of knowledge and the rarely noticed positive aspects on increasing speed limits on highways have kept people from supporting it. People should look at all the facts, including the growing trends elaborated on by the states in making speed limits.

The nation should follow the trend of the 29 states at 65 mph, 18 at 70 mph, 10 at 75 mph and 1 with no daytime speed limit (Montana). These evolutions show that state-by-state we are starting to realize that speed limits, right now, are, for the majority, unrealistic. Whether or not the states should increase their speed limits to 75 mph or to 85 mph on highways, I do not know. But what is more important is that the government must be more realistic and honest with the nation by increasing the states's peed limits to a more reasonable level.