SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL IMPACTS OF RAISING THE SPEED LIMIT TO 65 MPH. FINAL REPORT

Arizona's experience with the 65 mph speed limit is presented in terms of driver behavior and accident experience. The speed limit on Arizona's rural Interstate was raised to 65 mph on April 15, 1987. Driver behavior is presented in terms of the speeds which motorists actually drive on the rural Interstate. Before and after data are presented from the last quarter of 1983 through the first quarter of 1988. Vehicle speeds increased by only about 3 mph or less during the four quarters following the speed limit increase. A five year history of Interstate accident data -- 1983 through Spring 1988 -- is presented which provides a before and after comparison. Total accidents, fatal accidents, and injury accidents information is presented. Accident rate information is presented to account for the effect of increasing vehicle miles of travel. Accident data on the urban Interstate are presented for comparison purposes.