Car Accident Safety Reduction

   The issue of raising or lowering speed limits has generated debate from experts on both sides of the argument. On one side are the groups who argue that raised speed limits lead to increased traffic accidents and fatalities. On the other hand, some research has shown that there is no direct link between raised speed limit and traffic accidents.

     Insurance company reports show that traffic fatalities increased by 15% when speed limits were raised. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding was a contributing factor in (30%) of traffic fatalities in the year 2001. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of all motorcycle fatalities were speeding at the time of the accident. Government estimates show that the cost of speeding is about $40.4 billion. Drivers who speed are more likely to drink. In fact, 39% of all drunk drivers who were involved in traffic fatalities were speeding.

     However, there is additional research that shows that raising the speed limits does not increase the chance of car accidents. In a study conducted by the National Motorists Association Foundation, states that raised speed limits did not report an increase of traffic fatalities. In fact, these states showed the same, or in some cases, improved, fatality rates as states that did not increase speed limits. The department of transportation in the city of Mesa, Arizona conducted a study that demonstrated "no published research findings have established any direct relationship between posted speed limits and accident frequency," according to its website. Some industry leaders argue that driving at an usually low speed can cause car accidents just as easily as speeding can.