Speed limits are created in order to provide guidance for drivers on safe and reasonable speeds. Speed limits help keep drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists safe. There are various categories of speed limits that are set for different circumstances, may be set for different roads, or that can be set for different times. According to the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation, statutory speed limits are established by State legislatures for specific types of roads. This includes for interstates, rural roasts, and urban streets, and these limits vary from state to state. Statutory speed limits are enforceable by law and can be applied even if the speed limit is not posted (I.e. statutory speed limits of 25 mph in school districts).
Posted speed limits, according to the Federal Highway Administration, are those that are sign-posted along the road and are also enforceable by law. Additionally, special conditions speed limits include school zone speed limits, which are used during specific hours when children are traveling to and from school, and also include work zone speed limits. Advisory speeds are posted for a small portion, such as a sharp curve or ramp to inform drivers of safe driving speeds. A common misconception is that the federal government sets or enforces speed limit, when in actuality, this authority belongs to state and local agencies with jurisdiction.
A recent news report revealed that a two-car crash left three residents dead in Elkton, Maryland. According to the report, a 2014 Hyundai was traveling eastbound on Route 40 at a high rate of speed, slamming into the passenger side of a 2010 Honda Civic. The driver of the Honda was attempting to turn left. The Hyundai’s driver and two of the Honda’s occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is still being investigated.