The number of motor vehicle occupant fatalities in 1996 was compared with those in each year during 1990-95. Deaths in 12 states that raised speed limits to 70 mph on at least some roads in December 1995 or early 1996 were compared with deaths in a group of states that did not. On rural and urban interstates and freeways, where most of the speed limit changes occurred, speed limit increases were associated with a 12 percent increase in occupant fatalities. On other roads, where speed limits were raised less frequently, occupant fatalities increased by only 3 percent (nonsignificant). On all roads combined, occupant fatalities increased by 67 percent. It is estimated that during the last 9 months of 1996 there were 500 additional deaths in the 12 states that raised speed limits. (A)
Abstract