“Speed Limits”
Speed limits are an essential part of road safety. The speed at which we are traveling is one of the most checked operations. One of the most common reasons for being pulled over by authorities is not following posted speed limits. The government and other personnel carefully determine speed limits with the idea of keeping travelers safe. In this blog, we will explore the history of speed limits, the reasons behind their implementation, and how they continue to play a critical role today.
History of the speed limit: Before cars existed, speed was a minor concern. The introduction of self-propelled vehicles in the late 19th century quickly revealed the dangers of high-speed driving. Early on vehicles could not travel that fast. Then, vehicles could travel at dangerously high speeds. This led to accidents and public outcry. The first regulations appeared in the 1860s in the United Kingdom with the "Locomotive Act," which set speed limits at just 4 miles per hour in rural areas and 2 miles per hour in towns for self-propelled vehicles. In the U.S., speed limits began appearing in the early 1900s, but they varied significantly between states and local areas. The first real push for standardized speed limits came in the 1950s with the construction of the interstate highway system and the increasing number of cars on the road. As traffic volumes grew and road infrastructure improved, speed limits became more widely enforced to promote safety.
The importance of Speed limits: As you learn in driver's education, speed limits are not just arbitrary rules, they are the law. The most important reason for speed limits is safety. Speeding increases the severity of accidents. The faster velocity increases the momentum and increases the force when vehicles collide with other objects or vehicles. Higher speeds reduce reaction time to hazards like pedestrians, cattle, road conditions, or other vehicles. Increasing your speed above the speed limit greatly increases your risk of vehicular accidents and casualties.
In the U.S., speed limits are generally set by state or local governments, with each state having its own set of regulations. However, federal guidelines for highways and interstates exist, and states are encouraged to follow these guidelines to maintain a certain level of consistency. Be careful when traveling to foreign countries because their speed limits may be in different units than in the United States. Speed limits are set based on several factors, including road conditions, traffic density, and accident history. That is why in more rural areas with less traffic the speed limit is higher than in a residential area. Most roads have a posted speed limit, but if the road is unmarked the speed limit can be estimated. On unmarked rural roads in Illinois, the speed limit is 55 miles per hour, and in residential areas, it is generally 25 miles per hour. On most roadways, the speed limit feels right after a while of driving. If it feels like you are traveling too fast, slow down. The highway is the only road that has a normal minimum speed limit. In Illinois, this is 45 miles per hour. However, in the instances of hazards such as weather, accidents, or construction you may be advised or need to slow down slower than that and that is acceptable.
Speed limits are put in place to keep road traveling safer. Higher speeds in the wrong locations are a major cause of vehicle incidents. By understanding the role speed limits play in ensuring safe and efficient travel, you will be better equipped to navigate roads confidently and responsibly. Be on the lookout for the rectangular white signs with black script, and follow the posted speed limit. One of the bad habits previously described in an earlier blog is speeding. Do not let it become a dangerous habit. If you struggle with speed control or knowing the speed limit, talk with one of our driving instructors.