7 ms·

34000 is a record low for the past 40 years, btw.

• nostromo 13y ago
  Before 1995, the federal government restricted speed limits to 65mph and lower (and prior to 1987, 55mph and lower). When those limits were raised or lifted, those opposing the change howled about how many additional Americans would die with higher speed limits. The decline in auto fatalities (and pedestrian fatalities) has continued, even as speed limits went up dramatically in many states.
  • thaumaturgy 13y ago
    Correct! The 55mph law was first started during the gas crisis of the 70s. Its impact on traffic safety has been argued back and forth ever since, but so far there is zero concrete evidence that the increase in speed limits has caused a likewise increase in fatalities. (I have heard some good-sounding arguments that 55mph on long stretches of road is actually more dangerous than 70mph on the same, but I cannot find any studies to back that up, either.)
• malandrew 13y ago
  I'm curious how that number has changed for people in the cars versus people hit by the cars. I would imagine that the rate has dropped precipitously for people in cars, but has been rising for those outside the cars. FWIW I've been hit twice as a bicyclist, both were the fault of the driver. One turned into me while I was in the bike lane and the other tried to overtake me and clipped the front of my bike dragging it under the front tire. I was very lucky both times.