A question of current interest is whether raising the speed limit from 55 mph to 65 mph on rural interstate freeways increased fatal accidents or not. The limit was raised on 1,155 miles of California interstate freeways about June 1, 1987. The speed limit was retained at 55 mph on the remaining 343 miles. Also, the limit was raised on 132 miles of rural 'look-alike' freeway about June 1, 1988. The report analyzes fatalities, fatal accidents, and injury accidents before and after the speed limit change. It is concluded that raising the speed limit to 65 mph on rural interstate routes did not increase fatal and injury accidents. Also, there were no significant changes in fatal and injury accident rates on interstate routes where the speed limit was retained at 55 mph. There were apparent increases in fatal accidents on the 'look-alike' route.
Accidents Before and After the 65 MPH Speed Limit in California (Supplemental Report)
1990
50 pages
Report
No indication
English
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