An analysis of speed limit policies for Indiana
Abstract
The repeal of the National Speed Limit law in 1995 enabled individual states to set their own speed limits. Speed limits are necessary to ensure mobility while preserving highway safety. Any efforts to review existing speed limits by states should be accompanied by evaluation of policy impacts such as safety and economic productivity. The goal of this research was to develop a framework for evaluating the impacts of speed limit change in the State of Indiana and to use this framework to develop a set of speed limit policy guidelines for the state. The study presents a state-of-the-practice review of speed limits including a detailed literature review encompassing the impact of speed limit changes on operating speeds and safety across the nation and in other countries. Historical trends in traffic speed in Indiana are reviewed and a detailed analysis of the impact of speed limit changes on safety and productivity of the trucking industry in Indiana is presented. The study demonstrated that change in speed limit in the past did have a statistically significant impact on operating speeds but was not the sole factor accounting for all variation. Statewide, fatal crash rates in Indiana showed no significant impact, and the rate for injury and total number of crashes actually declined after the speed limit change. Positive and statistically significant impact on the productivity of the trucking industry in Indiana after the change in speed limit was reported. The study also presents a set of possible actions that may be considered for speed limits in Indiana.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Sinha, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Transportation|Civil engineering
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.