While advancements in vehicle safety technology and shorter braking distances have improved the safety of cars on the road, there are several reasons why speed limits on highways have not increased significantly:
Safety considerations: While cars have become safer, other factors on the road have remained relatively constant, such as human error, variability in driver skills, and unpredictable road conditions. Higher speeds increase the risk of accidents and decrease the margin for error. Therefore, speed limits are set to ensure a balance between efficient travel and maintaining an acceptable level of safety for all road users.
Infrastructure limitations: The design and condition of highways play a crucial role in determining safe speeds. Many highways have curves, interchanges, and other features that may not be suitable for higher speeds. Increasing speed limits without considering the infrastructure's capacity to handle higher speeds can lead to an increased risk of accidents.
Traffic congestion: Highways often experience periods of heavy traffic congestion, especially in urban areas. Higher speeds in congested conditions can exacerbate the risks of accidents, reduce driver reaction time, and create difficulties in merging and lane changes. Setting speed limits based on congestion levels helps maintain traffic flow and reduce the potential for collisions.
Variability in vehicle fleet: While newer vehicles may have advanced safety features, the overall vehicle fleet on the roads includes a wide range of vehicles with varying safety capabilities. Setting speed limits that account for the mix of vehicles helps ensure a consistent level of safety across different vehicle types and ages.
Enforcement challenges: Enforcing speed limits is an ongoing challenge for law enforcement agencies. Higher speed limits could lead to more instances of speeding, making it difficult to monitor and enforce compliance effectively. Stricter enforcement and increased resources would be necessary to manage higher speed limits safely.
Public perception and acceptance: Increasing speed limits can be a contentious issue. There are concerns that higher speeds may lead to an increase in the severity of accidents, reduced driver attention, and a general perception of less safety. Balancing public opinion and addressing these concerns are important factors in setting and adjusting speed limits.
It's worth noting that speed limits are jurisdiction-specific, and some regions may have higher speed limits on certain highways where conditions allow. However, these decisions are made based on comprehensive studies and evaluations that consider various factors related to safety, infrastructure, and public acceptance.