Speed limits are a common road safety measure in many contemporary countries. In addition to their primary function, these restrictions can also help optimize road traffic and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries in accidents. However, on two-lane roads, the effect can be reversed, while ecologically, speed limits can also have a negative impact. Thus, speed limits are a controversial option that is appropriate only for certain types of roads.
Speed limits have several benefits for both drivers and infrastructure. First of all, the limitations help to optimize the flow of cars, which is especially important on roads with high traffic. In particular, lower speed limits allow for a more even distribution of cars between lanes, although they do not significantly affect the activity of changing lanes (Soriguera et al., 2017). This means that the capacity of roads under restrictions can increase significantly, especially under high traffic conditions. Additionally, speed limits significantly reduce the number of deaths on rural roads by reducing the number of dangerous situations (Vadeby & Forsman, 2017). In urban areas, there is also a decrease in the number of serious injuries in road traffic crashes (Vadeby & Forsman, 2017). These circumstances highlight that restrictions allow drivers to better react to and respond to changes on the road.
However, in some conditions, speed limits can pose additional safety risks. For example, if the rules are not followed on two-lane roads, drivers may overtake slower vehicles, creating a dangerous situation. Additionally, on two-lane roads, there may be increased congestion due to significant speed limits. The most significant argument against the restrictions is the potential increase in vehicle emissions at lower speeds (Psaraftis, 2019). In terms of global road traffic, this problem can be crucial compared to other traffic optimization and road safety options.
Thus, speed limits have different implications for various types of roads, making them impractical for widespread use. On the one hand, they have a positive effect on road safety and traffic congestion with more lanes. On the other hand, on narrower roads, conversely, restrictions can be dangerous. Moreover, the environmental effects of this measure remain rather controversial. Therefore, this option should only be used where appropriate and tested before implementation.
References
Psaraftis, H. N. (2019). Speed optimization vs speed reduction: The choice between speed limits and a bunker levy.Sustainability, 11(8), 1-18. Web.
Soriguera, F., MartÃnez, I., Sala, M., & Menéndez, M. (2017). Effects of low speed limits on freeway traffic flow.Transportation Research Part C, 77, 257-274. Web.
Vadeby, A., & Forsman, A. (2017). Traffic safety effects of new speed limits in Sweden.Accident Analysis and Prevention, 114, 34-39. Web.