Speed limit

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Speed limit is the maximum (or occasionally minimum) speed legally permitted on a particular roadway. Speed limits are commonly set by the legislative bodies of national or local governments.

Overview

The first speed limits were set in the 19th century for non-motorized vehicles. With the advent of motor vehicles, the need for speed regulation became apparent. Speed limits are now set to attempt to reduce the probability and severity of crashes between vehicles, between vehicles and pedestrians, and between vehicles and fixed obstacles.

History

The first person to be convicted of speeding is believed to be Walter Arnold of East Peckham, Kent in the UK, who in 1896 was fined for speeding at 8 mph (13 km/h) in a 2 mph (3.2 km/h) zone. He was fined 1 shilling plus costs.

Speed limits by country

Speed limits vary significantly by country, state, and the nature of the road, ranging from no speed limit to a low of 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in certain urban areas.

United States

In the United States, speed limits are set by the states, and they vary. The highest speed limit in the country is 85 mph (137 km/h), which is allowed on one toll road in rural Texas.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the maximum speed limit for cars and motorcycles is 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways; 60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageways and 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas.

Enforcement

Speed limits are commonly enforced by police officers or automated speed cameras.

See also

References

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia

  • Expwy Spdlmt CHN

  • Antique New Hampshire speed limit sign

  • 19200820 D. C. Pastor Fined for Speed and Contempt - The Washington Times

  • World Speed Limits

  • World Map of Speed Limit Units on Traffic Signs

  • Highway speed limits Europe with indicator colors

  • Variable speed limit

  • Digital speed limit sign

  • MONTANA-PR

  • Gatso Camera

  • Ruta Panamericana Buenos Aires Florida

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/w/index.php?title=Speed_limit&oldid=6341883"

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD