Forty years ago, a new law bumped the national speed limit up to 55 miles per hour; nowadays, the majority of speed limits on highways and interstates is up to 70 miles per hour.
Cars.com recently compiled data together to determine which states had the fastest and slowest drivers. In Texas, where some areas boast a speed limit of 85, drivers averaged a rate of 78 miles per hour which makes it the speediest state in the country.
The slowest state? Alaska. Many of the states with the slowest drivers were in the northeast region, areas where the speed limits are typically 55 miles per hour.
Surprisingly, Idaho was ranked the second speediest state in the nation. The state changed the speed limit on some stretches of interstate back in July. Only two other states, Wyoming and Utah, have authorized speed limits of at least 80 miles per hour.
On average, motorists in Ohio drove around at 68 miles per hour, which is about the average rate across the U.S.
It may be concerning that many states are raising their speed limits, but data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the number of speed-related accident fatalities has decreased since 2003 although there was a slight increase between 2011 and 2012. Additionally, The majority of speed related accidents occurred on non-interstate local roads.
Have you or someone you love been injured in a speed-related motor vehicle accident? The car accident attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you fight for your right to compensation. We believe that motorists who behave recklessly behind the wheel need to be held accountable for their actions.
Our personal injury attorneys offer free legal consultations and can help you determine if you are eligible to file a claim.