Development in Speeding Enforcement since 2007
--Seven states increased speed limits, some to as high as 85 mph on some roads: Kan., Ky., Maine, Ohio, Pa., Texas, Va.
--Two states increased fines for speeders: Connecticut for all speeders, Wyoming for drivers of commercial vehicles
--Three states created a new “super” or “excessive” speeder classification with higher fines: Ga., Hawaii, Pa.
--One state enacted an aggressive driver law: Ind.
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association
There is limited use of automated speed enforcement: 14 states allow it, and two — Tennessee and Utah — allow it in all areas of the state, GHSA says.
With limited funds for road safety promotion and education, the issue simply falls through the cracks, Harsha says. "There's pressure to address emerging issues like distracted driving. The other part of the equation is there's fewer law enforcement personnel to do the job."
Harsha says the widespread disregard for speed limits is "more of a cultural thing" that stems largely from the 1995 congressional repeal of the national 55 mph speed limit. "When that was repealed, people's attitudes did significantly change. They didn't take the speed limit seriously. They thought they were just guidelines. The posted speed limits are actually laws, but people don't see it that way."
The National Motorists Association, a Waunakee, Wis.-based group that was initially formed to seek repeal of the 55-mph national speed limit, sees it differently.
"The bottom line is that the roads have never been safer," says NMA communications director John Bowman. "Traffic fatality rates have been steadily dropping since 1995. That, incidentally, was the year they repealed the national speed limit. They've been steadily decreasing, and that's with higher speed."
Bowman says that "rather than a sole focus on increased enforcement," NMA favors a national effort to set speed limits based on sound traffic engineering principles and more public education on safe driving practices, especially lane courtesy, in which slower traffic keeps right.
Harsha in part agrees. "There is a question of: are speed limits set appropriately? That's something state engineers and local public works directors and county engineers need to take a look at." In some instances, speed limits are set too low, she says.
GHSA recommends states address speeding with aggressive driving crackdowns. Other recommendations: targeted enforcement in school and work zones and a national, high-visibility enforcement and education campaign.
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