3 ms·
The article repeatedly mentions that there is very little correlation between posted speed limits and traffic speed. He goes to great pains to explain that tra
by quantgenius 12y ago
The article repeatedly mentions that there is very little correlation between posted speed limits and traffic speed. He goes to great pains to explain that traffic speed seems to be independent of speed limits. The paper you quote states that there is a correlation between accident frequency/severity and actual speed not speed limits. The argument in your comment is based on precisely the fallacy that the article says most people unfortunately fall for, which is that there is in fact a strong correlation between posted speed limits and traffic speed.
- peatmoss 12y agoAnd yet occasionally lets slip quotes like the one I posted earlier, in which the officer sites anecdata that speed isn't the problem. The article I posted was specifically countering that notion. The broader issue I have with this article is its prescription for bringing speeds and speed limits closer together--namely increasing the speed limits. I think using roadway engineering to decrease the speeds is actually addressing the first order problem.
- NoPiece 12y agoIf you are talking about an urban boulevard, then I agree. Engineer the street to lower speeds, and increase safety because there are pragmatic options (roundabouts, speed bumps, more signals and stop signs. But if you are talking about intercity highways, something like Los Angeles to Phoenix to Denver to Des Moines, then just increase the speed limit.