The Future of Speed Limits: Are We Ready to Ditch the “85% Rule”?

The 85% Rule: A Relic of the Past?

For decades, the “85% rule” has been a cornerstone of setting speed limits in the United States. This rule dictates that the speed limit should be set at or near the speed at which 85% of drivers are already traveling. The idea? Most drivers are inherently safe and will naturally gravitate to a reasonable speed for the given road conditions. But is this antiquated method still relevant in today’s world of congested urban environments and heightened safety concerns?

Think of it like this: imagine a crowded street with pedestrians, cyclists, and delivery vehicles constantly in motion. Applying the 85% rule in such an environment could lead to dangerously high speed limits, prioritizing vehicle flow over vulnerable road users.

Did you know? The 85% rule originated from studies conducted on rural roads in the 1930s and 1940s, a far cry from the complex urban landscapes we navigate today.

The Push for Change: Safety Takes the Wheel

A growing movement is challenging the dominance of the 85% rule. Advocates for pedestrian and cyclist safety, along with urban planners, are pushing for a more holistic approach to speed limit setting. This approach considers factors like pedestrian volume, crash history, and the presence of schools or parks. The goal is to prioritize safety and reduce serious injuries and fatalities, especially for vulnerable road users.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has subtly acknowledged the limitations of the 85% rule, updating its guidelines to encourage communities to consider a broader range of factors when setting speed limits. This is a significant step towards a more nuanced and safety-conscious approach.

Example: Madison, Wisconsin, implemented a “20 is Plenty” campaign, lowering speed limits on residential streets from 25 mph to 20 mph. This initiative aims to create safer environments for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children.

“City Limits”: A New Model for Urban Speed Limits

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has developed an alternative to the 85% rule called “City Limits.” This approach uses a formula that considers a street’s activity level and the likelihood of conflicts to determine a safe speed limit. It’s a proactive measure designed to minimize the risk of injuries for all road users.

Jenny O’Connell, director of member programs for NACTO, highlights a critical flaw in the 85% rule: “The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop. People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed.” This can lead to an escalating cycle of speeding and increasingly dangerous road conditions.

California‘s Balancing Act: Loosening the Reins

California, a state deeply entrenched in the 85% rule, has begun to loosen restrictions on local governments, allowing them to deviate from the guidelines if they can demonstrate a proven safety need. While advocates for pedestrians and bicyclists see this as a positive step, they also acknowledge that much more needs to be done.

Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, emphasizes the need for a fundamental shift in mindset: “We still have a long way to go in California in terms of putting value on all road users. There’s still a very heavy mindset that automobiles are the primary method of travel and they should be given priority and reverence.”

The Motorist’s Perspective: Maintaining Consistency

Not everyone agrees with moving away from the 85% rule. Some argue that it provides a consistent and predictable framework for setting speed limits, minimizing the variation in speed between drivers. This, they claim, is essential for safety.

Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, believes that drivers will naturally drive at a speed that feels appropriate for the road conditions, regardless of the posted limit. He argues that artificially low speed limits can be frustrating and lead to increased congestion and unsafe driving behaviors.

Data Doesn’t Lie: The Impact of Speed on Safety

Studies consistently show a direct correlation between speed and the severity of crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that every 5 mph increase in a state’s maximum speed limit increases the chance of fatalities by 8.5% on interstate highways and 2.8% on other roads. This data underscores the importance of setting appropriate speed limits and enforcing them effectively.

Chuck Farmer, vice president for research at the IIHS, points out that modern vehicles can insulate drivers from the true sensation of speed: “Maybe back when you were driving a Model T you had a real feel for how fast you were going, but in modern vehicles you don’t have a sense of what 80 mph is. You’re in a cocoon.”

FAQ: Speed Limits in the Modern Era

What is the 85% rule?

It’s a method for setting speed limits based on the speed at which 85% of drivers are traveling on a given road.

Why is the 85% rule being questioned?

Because it may not be suitable for urban environments with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic, prioritizing vehicle flow over safety.

What are some alternatives to the 85% rule?

“City Limits,” developed by NACTO, is one alternative that considers factors like pedestrian volume and crash history.

Does speed really affect safety?

Yes. Studies show a direct correlation between speed and the severity of crashes.

Are speed limits likely to change in the future?

Yes, a growing movement is advocating for more nuanced and safety-conscious approaches to setting speed limits.

Pro Tip: Check your local Department of Transportation website for information on how speed limits are set in your area and what factors are considered.

The debate over the future of speed limits is far from over. As our cities become more crowded and our understanding of road safety evolves, it’s clear that the 85% rule may need to take a backseat to more comprehensive and safety-focused approaches.

What are your thoughts on the 85% rule? Should speed limits be lowered in urban areas? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Further Reading: Explore more articles on urban planning and road safety on our website here.