Thanks for subscribing. A 2019 IIHS study found that rising speed limits have cost nearly 37,000 lives over 25 years. Higher speed limited can be tied to the deaths of nearly 37,000 people during the last 25 years. IIHS typically runs crash tests at 40 mph but increased the speed for this study to show the impact of high-speed collisions. Proponents of raising the speed limit often argue that such increases simply bring the law in line with reality, since most drivers exceed the limit. And thanks for reading Autoblog. AAA and IIHS urge policymakers to factor in this danger from higher speeds when considering speed limit changes. Today, 41 states, allow 70 mph or higher speeds on some roadways. IIHS noted that speed limits do not cap drivers and spoke to the elephant in the room: We tend to go faster than posted speed limits anyway. IIHS President David Harkey said the group's latest study results show that policymakers should refrain from further increases to maximum speed limits on highways and freeways. When the pandemic significantly lowered traffic, the rate of traffic fatalities per miles driven jumped by 18%, reaching a level not seen in at least 12 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Please follow the instructions below to enable JavaScript in your browser. AAA and IIHS urge policymakers to factor in this danger from higher speeds when considering speed limit changes. The rate of traffic deaths jumped in the first half of 2020, and safety experts blame drivers who sped up on roads left open when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses and limited commuting. IIHS typically runs crash tests at 40 mph but increased the speed for this study to show the impact of high-speed collisions. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. AAA and IIHS urge policymakers to factor in this danger from higher speeds when considering speed limit changes. IIHS: Speed limit increases cause 33,000 deaths in 20 years If Vision Zero is the destination, higher speeds are slowing us down. Today, 41 states allow 70 mph or higher speeds on some roadways, including eight states that have maximum speeds of 80 mph or more. A 2019 IIHS study found that rising speed limits have cost nearly 37,000 lives over 25 years. You must have JavaScript enabled to experience the new Autoblog. "The crashworthiness aspects of the design … haven’t changed much" for this type of collision, he said. Increases in speed limits have resulted in nearly 37,000 additional deaths over the previous 25 years, an IIHS study released in 2019 reported. Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research, advocated for policymakers to take steps to reduce traffic speeds. The new research also suggests that even small increases in speed led to much deadlier outcomes in vehicle crashes. A 2019 … It only takes a few seconds. A 2019 IIHS study found that rising speed limits have cost nearly 37,000 lives over 25 years. In 2017 alone, about 1,934 were killed because of increased speed limits, IIHS found. Like many drivers, we car enthusiasts love freeways with higher speed limits. A 2019 IIHS study found that rising speed limits have cost nearly 37,000 lives over 25 years. "Small changes in speed when you’re involved in a crash can really increase your chances of getting a severe injury" or dying, he said. "Higher speed limits cancel out the benefits of vehicle safety improvements like airbags and improved structural designs," said Dr. David Harkey, IIHS president. IIHS study says higher speed limits led to 36,000 more traffic … You may order presentation ready copies to distribute to your colleagues, customers, or clients, by visiting http://www.autobloglicensing.com, Next-generation Honda HR-V revealed as a compact hybrid crossover, 2021 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 First Drive | Fat cat money, 2021 Subaru Outback Review | Still marching to its own drum, Nissan moves the Qashqai upmarket with sharp design, unusual hybrid powertrain, 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Review | Looking beyond the horse, Carroll Shelby's personal Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake is headed to auction. Today, 41 states allow 70 mph or higher speeds on some roadways, including eight states that have maximum speeds of 80 mph or more. With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, AAA says a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.