The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted a study that showed increased speed limits have caused 33,000 deaths over the past twenty years. Their analysis of data from the year 2013 alone showed that although airbags saved many lives, 1,900 people died due to raised speed limits.
“Although fatality rates fell during the study period, they would have been much lower if not for states’ decisions to raise speed limits,” said Charles Farmer, IIHS vice president for research and statistical services.
Each state is responsible for setting speed limits, and since 1995 they have been consistently on the rise. In 1973, congress ruled that states could only raise the limit as high as 55 mph in order to receive federal funding. This was a requirement at the time because of fuel availability rather than safety.
In 1987, energy concerns were not as large an issue, and congress allowed speeds to go as high as 65 mph. Ultimately, in 1995 the law was completely repealed.
Six states currently allow speeds as high as 80 mph. The state of Texas has a limit of 85 mph in some areas.
“Since 2013, speeds have only become more extreme, and the trend shows no sign of abating,” Farmer notes. “We hope state lawmakers will keep in mind the deadly consequences of higher speeds when they consider raising limits.”
If you have been injured in an accident due to someone driving too fast, consider consulting our Personal Injury Resources to assist you with your case.
