Changes in motor vehicle occupant fatalities after repeal of the national maximum speed limit

Fatalities on interstates increased 15% in the 24 states that raised speed limits and seven states that did not following the 1995 repeal of the US National Maximum Speed Limit, while deaths on roads other than interstates were essentially unchanged.

Abstract

Trends in motor vehicle occupant deaths over 8 years were studied for 24 states that raised interstate speed limits and seven states that did not following the 1995 repeal of the US National Maximum Speed Limit. Fatalities on interstates increased 15% in the 24 states that raised speed limits. After accounting for changes in vehicle miles of travel, fatality rates were 17% higher following the speed limit increases. Similar increases were reported following the 1987 speed limit increases on rural interstates. Deaths on roads other than interstates were essentially unchanged.