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-lo <br />Will lowering the speed limit reduce speeds? <br />No. Studies show there is little change in the speed <br />pattern after the posting of a speed limit. The driver is <br />much more influenced by the roadway conditions. <br />Will lowering the speed limit reduce crash frequency? <br />No. Although lowering the speed limit is often seen as <br />a cure-all in preventing crashes, this is not the case. <br />Crashes are most often the result of driver inattention <br />and driver error. However, if a posted speed limit is <br />unrealistically low, it creates a greater speed variance <br />(i.e. some drivers follow the speed limit while most <br />drive the reasonable speed). This speed variance can <br />contribute to crashes. <br />Why do we even have speed limits? <br />A uniform speed of vehicles in a traffic flow results in <br />the safest operation. The posted speed limits can keep <br />the traffic flowing smoothly provided the majority of <br />drivers find the speed limits reasonable. To best do <br />this, the limits must be consistent throughout the state. <br />The speed limits also give the motorist an idea of a <br />reasonable speed to drive in an unfamiliar location. <br />The speed limits are used by police officials to identify <br />excessive speeds and curb unreasonable behavior. <br />If you believe that there is a safety concern or an <br />inappropriate speed limit posted, the person to contact <br />depends on the type of road. <br />Interstates, federal and state highways <br />For regulatory and advisory speed limits on the trunk <br />highway system, contact the district traffic engineer at <br />your MnDOT district office. <br />The trunk highway system includes: <br />Interstate Highways <br />U.S. Highways and <br />❑ Minnesota State Highways <br />Local streets and highways <br />For these roadways, you may contact your local road <br />authority (county, city, or township). <br />If you are unable to find the right phone number, call <br />the MnDOT Information center: <br />Greater Minnesota: 1-800-657-3774 <br />Twin Cities Metro: 651-296-3000 <br />MnDOT Office of Traffic Safety and Technology <br />For more information, visit: www.mndot.gov/speed/ <br />We all have a stake in A*B <br />Minnesota <br />Speed Limits <br />