Safety Benefits of the 55 MPH Speed Limit

After reviewing the compelling evidence supporting the safety consequences of the 55 mph speed limit, the study committee concluded that this law has been one of the most effective highway safety policies ever adopted. The committee recommended that the law be retained on almost all highways, but stopped short of making a recommendation applying to the rural Interstates. Safety would be compromised if speed limits were increased (perhaps entailing as many as 500 additional fatalities if average speeds returned to 65 mph) but travel times would be significantly reduced. This choice depends on values rather than scientific or technical expertise, and the committee judged that it would best serve by presenting the facts to Congress.