Speed limits seem to be a necessary evil. The limits are not just randomly set by someone, it is based on the principles that relate to safety and physics.
From a scientific point of view, calculations are done that determine the effect of speed on reaction time as well as stopping distance. Another key thing to remember is that accident severity is also impacted by the speed at which a car is driven. In many situations, speeding has been noted as a contributing factor in many accidents.
Evaluating the dynamics of speed
There is a marked increase in accident severity when speed is involved. Vehicle collisions that occur at high speeds have a more forceful impact.
Injuries are more severe, and there is a likelihood of fatalities. Studies conducted by the World Health Organization have noted that with a 5mph speed increase, there is a 20% increase in fatal accidents.
Speeding not only contributes to accidents but can also exacerbate the severity of the accident. Vehicle accidents that occur at high speeds have a more forceful impact. Injuries are more severe, and there is a likelihood of fatalities. The role that speed limits play in automobile accidents is pivotal, as it can help determine the difference between liability and negligence.
A state-wide approach to automobile matters
With negligence, a court can hold the driver responsible for the accident that took place and also hold the individual liable for the resultant damages that were caused. Legal aspects aside, consequences are far-reaching, as they affect people not only financially, but also physically as well as psychologically due to the injuries caused and the long-term effects thereof.
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The state of North Dakota has now amended speed limits on certain multilane highways. With the amended speed limit, higher speeding fines were also imposed. Speeding fines are not exceptionally high, apparently not serving as quite the deterrent that was hoped for. Lawmakers decided to raise minimum speeding fines in conjunction with the maximum speed limit in this state.
Evaluating the new speed limit changes
A 5 mph increase has been implemented on certain stretches of multilane highways. This now officially makes North Dakota the 9th state with a maximum speed limit of 80 mph or greater. The other states with similar 80 mph limits are:
- Idaho
- South Dakota
- Nevada
- Montana
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- Wyoming
- Texas
It is imperative to note that safety was not compromised when these decisions were made. Most people were already driving at that speed before this was finalized.
A further inclusion in the new law is plans for the installation of variable-speed signs. These will be able to digitally drop the posted speed limit when there are poor weather conditions or due to other matters, such as construction. Although speeding fines were increased in North Dakota, it is still relatively low. Fines in other areas are much higher. Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1298 in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly into law.
The bill has also created a new system whereby speeding fines are calculated on all roads. For example, highways that have a speed limit of 65 mph or higher will have a speeding fine of $20 or $5 for every mph driven over the limit, dependent on which is greater. The implementation date for these new changes has been set for 1 August 2025.
With this bill, a reasonable balance has been struck whereby speed limits for North Dakota’s interstate highways have now been aligned with some of its neighboring states. It is hoped that the fine increase will serve as somewhat of a deterrent for speeding.
South Dakota and Montana both have interstate highway limits of 80 mph. Minnesota’s top speed limit is set at 70 mph.
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