The effectiveness of the 55 mph national maximum speed limit as a life saving benefit.

Author(s)
Johnson, P. Klein, T.M. Levy, P. & Maxwell, D.
Year
Abstract

The report contains an analysis of the life saving benefits resulting from the 55 mph NMSL from 1974-1979. Monthly fatality data from 1970-1979 was used in a time series model to arrive at the estimated safety benefits (lives saved). The time series model relates changes in monthly fatalities to changes in monthly vehicle miles traveled, introduction of safety improvements and the implementation of the 55 mph NMSL law. Increases in highway fatalities in 1976-1979 compared to the 1974-1975 level led to a detailed examination and analysis of the composition of these fatalities in order to determine possible causes for the increases. Based upon the available data, it was concluded that 55 mph compliance had eroded somewhat in 1977 and 1978 thus resulting in some fatality increases.

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Publication

Library number
B 19983 MF [electronic version only] /73 / IRRD 287332
Source

Washington, D.C., U.S. Department of Transportation DOT, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA, 1980,41 p., 18 ref.; DOT HS 805 694

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This publication is one of our other publications, and part of our extensive collection of road safety literature, that also includes the SWOV publications.