travel time

[gman]

here are a few statistics for fatalities from the NHTSA for Montana for 2004 on their interstates
over 55mph 101, under 55 mph 13
here are the numbers (year 2004) for fatalaties for all of USA interstates
over 55 mph 13, 192
under 55 mph 1, 407

[xpjim1]

Thanks for the support Gman. Like I said and your numbers support this, before there was a posted speed limit accidents were at an all time low, after they posted speed limits accidents increased.

Here is from the Washington State Department of Transportation
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/biz/traffico...fic/limits.htm

Another interesting article on Fatalities and safety
http://www.motorists.com/issues/speed/Making_Sense.html

Enjoy

[xpjim1]

More info from maryland DOT

Will crashes increase if the speed limit is raised?

Probably not. Research has shown that the posted speed limit has little effect on the speeds at which most motorists drive. Raising the speed limit does not significantly raise the speeds at which motorists drive, and lowering the limit generally does not appreciably decrease their speeds. However, the more motorists learn from their experiences that speed limits are set at speeds that they consider safe and reasonable the greater the chances that the motorists will heed them. Speed limits significantly lower than the 85th percentile speed are ignored by many drivers and difficult to enforced

In most instances, a speed limit based on the 85th percentile reflects the expectations of the largest proportion of drivers; is found by most to be

a safe and comfortable limit; facilitates speed enforcement; and offers the greatest chance of achieving some uniformity in speeds on a given road. When motorists drive at a relatively uniform speed, tailgating, lane changing, and overtaking are reduced. As a result, collisions are less likely to occur.

Those who drive much faster or slower than most of the drivers around them place themselves and others at considerable risk of a collision. When the posted limit is reasonable, enforcement can be targeted to the relatively small percentage that exceeds the speed limit

[gman]

when did they start posting speed limits?

[gman]

like I said the higher the speed the better chance of loosing a life and the numbers support it including montana, arizona, nevada signs or no signs.

[xpjim1]

The numbers do not support this. In montana from 1995 to the middle of 1999 they had no posted limits. When they implemented the NHTSA speed limits and enforcement( to slow down traffic and increase safety) accidents and fatalities increased. While I agree a collision at higher speeds will be more severe than a collision at lower speeds, you need to look at the root cause of the collisions.

Followup Footnote: At the end of 2001, a year after Montana implemented its new NHTSA backed and sponsored enforcement program, fatalities increased significantly. Now another year of data is in (2002), Montana just recorded a 20 year high in fatal accidents.

Also number of fatalities alone is meaningless. An example is if we have 10 cars driving and there is 1 fatality this week and next week there is 50 cars with 2 fatalities it is a 100% increase in the number but in reality the chances of being in a fatal accident were reduced. You can factor into the equation the number of miles driven. These numbers can be skewed depending what you are trying to prove.

The point of the acticles I linked to was many states believe in the 85% rule to set limits. therefore the majority of traffic is moving at the same pace therefore reducing the instances of accidents and fatalities.

Other studies have been done on states having uniform speed laws(all vehicles have same limit) vs states having differential speed laws showing states with differential speed laws had higher instances of accidents. These studies are full of footnotes saying all variables are not equal therefore there results while indicative are not conclusive.

As I said there are varying studies, number malipulations etc on the topic, but for me i will flow with the majority of traffic as most studies show this is the safest. ( least occurance of accident)

We could debate this all night but enuff said from me. Happy Boating and safe towing. Regardless if you make it to Havasu in 5 hours or 6.5 hours its all about safe fun.
As for me I will be in Havasu in the morning tearing up the desert on the new quad. I will try to be safe!!

On a side note Gman when do we get to see pictures of your fine TIGE??

XP out!!!

[gman]

I think you and I are probably on the same page but going at it in different ways. Looks like we agree on the fact that severity of accident is higher at a higher speed. I also believe that studies are and may be skewed depending what one needs to prove. The important thing is that we both are after safety. As you said we can debate this for a long time. I have info somewhat contrary to yours. Oh Well! Life is short and lets enjoy it with our boats and families. Happy boating to you also.. Be safe and careful that is the most important.
Have fun...