Traffic speeds following repeal of the national maximum speed limit

May 1997

New traffic speed limits in interstate highways, following the repeal of the national maximum speed limit, increased the proportion of overspeeding vehicles. This has become one of the most prevalent factors contributing to motor vehicle crashes. It is proposed that states that increase speed limits should undertake countermeasure to limit potential harm which include ample speed enforcement, safety belt use, and upgrading of the design standards of highway facilities to better accommodate higher traffic speeds.