Abstract
The 1977 speed limit regulations introduced in Italy differentiated between maximum speed limits by taking into account only 2 of the 3 main elements in road traffi c: the vehicle and the road. It is concluded that the legislation enacted does not, in most cases, enhance traffic safety as the latter is dependent on the man /vehicle /road system and as the regulations excluded the human factor. Vehicle design, new road construction standards, differentiation between driving aptitudes and improved enforcement techniques could have a large role to play in improving safety on the roads.