Effective December 1987 and January 1988, the maximum speed limit on rural limited-access highways in Michigan was raised from 55 mph to 65 mph. The study examined the effects of the raised limit on traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths. A multiple time-series was used, comparing roads where the speed limit was raised with roads where the limit remained unchanged. Data were collected on the numbers and rates of crashes, injuries, and deaths from January 1978 through December 1988. Times series intervention analyses were conducted to estimate effects associated with the speed limit change while controlling for long-term trends, cycles, and other patterns. Statistical controls were also included for major factors known to influence crash and injury rates in the state. Results revealed significant increases in casualties on roads where the speed limit was raised. In addition, property-damage-only crashes increased 38.4% on 55 mph limited-access freeways, suggesting that the 65 mph limit may have spillover effects on segments of freeways where the limit was not changed. The increased convenience of reduced travel time with the higher speed limit is obtained at a significant cost in terms of crash injuries and death.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Sixty-Five mph Speed Limit in Michigan: Effects on Injury and Death


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1989


    Size :

    78 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Evaluation of Michigan 70-mph Speed Limit

    Binkowski, S. E. / Maleck, T. L. / Taylor, W. C. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998



    Evaluation of Michigan 70-mph Speed Limit

    Binkowski, Sarah E. | Online Contents | 1998


    Evaluation of Michigan 70-mph Speed Limit

    Binkowski, Sarah E. / Maleck, Thomas L. / Taylor, William C. et al. | Transportation Research Record | 1998