Skip to main content

Speed Limits

Speed Limits

I don’t know too many people who actually drive the speed limit. They may go over a couple of miles or 15 over (tisk, tisk), but there is one thing I wondered is how they come to be. I know the obvious, lawmakers make these decisions, but what does it all intel. The first speeding ticket was issued to a cab driver named Jacob German in 1899. That guy was going 12 miles per hour in an 8 hour per hour zone. He ended up getting some jail time. That still holds true today for drivers going over the speed limit, we could receive a fine, jail time, or both. Speed limits are in place for our safety. It is unfortunate that thousands of people die each year due to speeding-related crashes.  
Both science and politics goes into the process of figuring out speed limits in Texas. Speed limits on Texas highways are set by the 85th percentile method, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The observed free-flowing speed for vehicles is tallied, and the 85th percentile speed is calculated using gathered information. This is how engineers design speed zones in communities, school zones, and work zones. It can also be lowered 10 miles per hour depending on conditions of curves and hills, crash history, rural residential or developed area. The max speed is set at 70 miles per hour, but the Texas Transportation Commission is allowed a max of 75 miles per hour (80 mph or 85 mph if the highway is designed to accommodate that speed).
Since 1974, the speed limit was set at 55 miles per hour and then was increased to 65 in 1987. But in 1995, Congress repealed that max speed, and since then more than 30 states set the limit to 70 miles per hour or higher. While increasing speed limits is favorable, there is also an increased risk of injury or death for pedestrians and bicyclists. This has left some states to take legislative efforts to give municipalities the authority to reduce speed limits.

Staying Safe

All anyone wants is to be safe on the road, whether being the driver, passenger, or a pedestrian. Safe driving is one way to be safe and driving a reliable vehicle. If you think it is time to by another vehicle, consider Williams Group Auto to find a pre-owned car or truck. We have a large selection of certified pre-owned vehicles, visit us at www.williamsgroupauto.com to view our virtual showroom or come by one of our three locations in Abilene.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Classic Automobile Features in You Won't See in Modern Cars

  Classic Features Classic Features in Cars You Won’t See Today Who knows what kids will reminisce about years from now about their first car. Heck, there’s a chance vehicle won’t run on gasoline anymore, and that is something they will look back on and find nostalgic. Vehicles can start with the push of a button on your keychain, you can open the hatchback with the swipe of your foot, and heated seats (my personal favorite) are just a few features you can find in cars today. Here are a few classic features you won’t see today but were the best. Oldies and Goodies One of my favorites, bench seats. For some reason, I always thought they were fun as a kid, but looking back now, I realize how horrible they really were. Being squished between two adults was actually uncomfortable during long rides. I guess as a kid, you feel the front seat was larger than it really was, and sometimes you had it all to yourself- that’s fun. I’m sure several teenage boys took advantage of the seat design...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Few Facts About the Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company The Ford Motor Company has seen it all since Henry Ford opened the Ford Motor Company in 1902. From producing vehicles for the public to helping with military equipment, going through some rough times in the past, and to some financial problems. The company has proven to be a brand that plans on sticking around for a long time. Here are a few interesting facts that many have not worked out and some that we still see today. Ford Facts Ford was the first company to manufacture and sell cars. Their first model, the Model A, sold for $850 and only hit a max speed of 30 mph.  The Ford assembly line was devised after Henry Ford got the idea from a pig-slaughtering plant.  They offered better pay to their employees offering double the market average pay at $5 a day.  While the first Ford was sold in 1903 to Dr. Pfennig (Ford’s current CEO, Jim Hackett, owns it today), the iconic Ford logo was first introduced in 1907.  Many may not know that H...
Post a Comment
Read more

Make Sure Your Tires are Maintained

Tire Maintenance After spending all that time researching and negotiating for that perfect vehicle, there comes the time for regular maintenance to keep it in tip-top performance. One thing most of us overlook is the tires. Rotating your tires as part of your regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance can have several benefits. It can improve gas mileage, provide a smoother ride, and prolong your vehicle’s suspension components. Checking the air pressure once a month can improve the wear on the tires as well and can reduce the potential for a blowout or flat. Here are a few guidelines to follow to help prolong the life of your tires and to maintain a better fuel economy in your vehicle provided by  J.D. Power . Check Your Tire Pressure To check tire pressure, use an air pressure gauge. These inexpensive items are available at auto parts stores, gas stations, or in the automotive section of department stores. You should consult your owner's manual or the label inside the driv...
Post a Comment
Read more