Final answer:
The typical speed limit in a residential area without posted signs is 50 km/h, or about 31 mph. This speed limit is established for safety reasons, considering the presence of pedestrians, especially in areas where children are likely to be present. Slight exceedances of the speed limit may not result in immediate penalties, but significant violations can lead to traffic tickets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal speed limit in a residential area where no speed limits are posted is 50 kilometers per hour (km/h), which is approximately 31 miles per hour (mph). This is considered to be a typical speed limit for areas where people live, play, and where children might be present. It is designed to ensure the safety of residents and pedestrians. While a slight exceedance of the speed limit, such as driving at 31 mph in a 30 mph zone, might not immediately result in a traffic ticket due to enforcement tolerances and speedometer inaccuracies, consistently driving above the speed limit significantly increases the risk of getting cited.
In situations where pedestrian crossing occurs, it is important for vehicles to adhere to speed limits to give people enough time to cross safely. A car travelling at 60 km/h covers a greater distance in a given amount of time compared to one travelling at the prescribed residential speed limit, thereby affecting the safety of pedestrians. Therefore, maintaining the speed limit is not just about following laws, but also about ensuring the safety of all road users.