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Did the 65 mph speed limit save lives?

C Lave1, P Elias

  • 1Department of Economics, University of California, Irvine 92717.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|February 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
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Raising the U.S. interstate highway speed limit to 65 mph in 1987 unexpectedly reduced statewide traffic fatality rates. This analysis considered system-wide effects, not just local impacts, on road safety.

Area of Science:

  • Transportation Safety
  • Traffic Engineering
  • Public Policy Analysis

Background:

  • In 1987, the U.S. federal speed limit was raised from 55 to 65 mph on rural interstates.
  • Previous evaluations focused on local effects, neglecting broader system-wide impacts.
  • Highway patrol chiefs advocated for resource reallocation, suggesting potential safety benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the system-wide effects of the 65 mph speed limit on statewide fatality rates.
  • To assess if increased interstate speeds attracted drivers from more dangerous roads.
  • To determine the impact of shifted highway patrol resources on overall traffic safety.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of statewide fatality rates before and after the speed limit change.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Control for confounding factors including long-term trends, driving exposure, seat belt laws, and economic conditions.
  • Examination of resource allocation shifts in highway patrol activities.

    • Main Results:

    • The 65 mph speed limit was associated with a 3.4% to 5.1% reduction in statewide fatality rates.
    • This reduction was observed after controlling for various external factors.
    • Evidence suggests system-wide benefits beyond localized effects on interstates.

    Conclusions:

    • The increase in the rural interstate speed limit to 65 mph yielded significant, positive system-wide safety outcomes.
    • The findings challenge previous assessments by demonstrating overall fatality rate decreases.
    • Policy decisions regarding speed limits should consider comprehensive, system-wide impacts on traffic safety.