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When might the express way speed be lowered from 70 to 55?

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Final answer:

Expressway speed limits may be lowered from 70 to 55 due to safety concerns, environmental impacts, construction, or changing road conditions. Measures like these are taken to protect drivers, improve fuel efficiency, and manage traffic flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed limit on an expressway may be lowered from 70 to 55 for several reasons. One significant reason is safety; high-speed collisions tend to result in more severe injuries and fatalities. In areas with a high incidence of accidents, or during periods of construction when lanes may be narrow, officials might lower speed limits to protect both drivers and workers.

Another consideration is environmental impact. During the 1970s oil crisis, the U.S. set maximum highway speeds at 55 mph to save fuel and reduce emissions, since lower speeds tend to increase fuel efficiency. Similar measures could be taken in response to environmental concerns or to conserve energy.

Finally, changing road conditions due to weather, such as fog, ice, or heavy rain, often necessitate temporary reductions in speed limits for drivers' safety. Likewise, speed limits can be permanently reduced in urban areas to manage traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety.

User Poise
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8.0k points
2 votes

Final answer:

Expressway speed limits may be lowered from 70 to 55 due to safety concerns, environmental impacts, construction, or changing road conditions. Measures like these are taken to protect drivers, improve fuel efficiency, and manage traffic flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

The speed limit on an expressway may be lowered from 70 to 55 for several reasons. One significant reason is safety; high-speed collisions tend to result in more severe injuries and fatalities. In areas with a high incidence of accidents, or during periods of construction when lanes may be narrow, officials might lower speed limits to protect both drivers and workers.

Another consideration is environmental impact. During the 1970s oil crisis, the U.S. set maximum highway speeds at 55 mph to save fuel and reduce emissions, since lower speeds tend to increase fuel efficiency. Similar measures could be taken in response to environmental concerns or to conserve energy.

Finally, changing road conditions due to weather, such as fog, ice, or heavy rain, often necessitate temporary reductions in speed limits for drivers' safety. Likewise, speed limits can be permanently reduced in urban areas to manage traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety.

User Andrey Oshev
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9.3k points