Speed Limit Reduction and Policies

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Purpose 

Reduce vehicle speeds to reduce the severity of crashes.

Description

Crashes where vehicles are traveling at high speeds can be impactful. Speeds can contribute to the potential for a severe injury or fatality.

The Vision Zero Action Plan recommends managing speeds to minimize the potential for severe and fatal crashes. Minor reductions in speed can have significant safety benefits. Establishing safer speeds is a proactive way to improve safety for all road users.

Safety Benefits

  • Create a more predictable environment for all road users.
  • Reduce the likelihood of crashes.
  • In the event of a crash, fatalities and serious injuries are much less likely.
  • Create street environments that support access and safety for all people regardless of mode of travel.

Street Types and Context

Applicable Street Types

All street types in all contexts.

Other Location Guidance 

Lower speeds are especially effective at reducing crash risk in areas of high expected activity.

Primary User Groups

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Key Implementation Considerations

  • The Virginia Department of Transportation has authority to determine speed limits on state maintained roads. Arlington County must submit a request to adjust speed limits on these state-maintained roads.
  • To adjust speed limits on County maintained roadways, the County Board must adopt the recommended speed limit changes into the County Code.
  • Statutory speed limits are determined by Virginia’s General Assembly. These speed limits apply to highways and roadways lacking a posted speed limit.

Expected Crash Reduction

A 10% reduction in the average operating speed of a vehicle can result in 19% fewer injury crashes, 27% fewer severe crashes, and 34% fewer fatal crashes. (Nilsson, 2004).

Cost

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May require extensive staff time.

Timeline

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One to three or more years.

References

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