This “study” by the IIHS is dubious at best and a deliberate skewing of what has actually happened. In states that raised their speed limits to 70 mph from 1993 to 2013, the fatality rate dropped at a faster rate than states keeping 65 mph speed limits on their highways. Traffic transferred to safer high speed roads from non interstate highways resulting in that lower death rate. Economic factors play a much greater role. Recessions drive down fatality rates at an even greater rate than the reduction in mileage because of drastic reductions in discretionary driving. This happened in 1974-76, 1981-83, 1991-93, and 2008-2011. The drop in 2008-11 was greater than the drop in 1974-76 despite a grinding energy crisis and a 55 mph speed limit. During the period of the “study” fatality rates were declining every year except for 2005. The IIHS report is bunk.
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This “study” by the IIHS is dubious at best and a deliberate skewing of what has actually happened. In states that raised their speed limits to 70 mph from 1993 to 2013, the fatality rate dropped at a faster rate than states keeping 65 mph speed limits on their highways. Traffic transferred to safer high speed roads from non interstate highways resulting in that lower death rate. Economic factors play a much greater role. Recessions drive down fatality rates at an even greater rate than the reduction in mileage because of drastic reductions in discretionary driving. This happened in 1974-76, 1981-83, 1991-93, and 2008-2011. The drop in 2008-11 was greater than the drop in 1974-76 despite a grinding energy crisis and a 55 mph speed limit. During the period of the “study” fatality rates were declining every year except for 2005. The IIHS report is bunk.