Speed limit
Speed limit
Speed limit (/spi:d ˈlɪmɪt/), from the Old English spēd meaning "success, prosperity, wealth, luck" and the Latin līmitāre meaning "to limit", is a regulation or law that determines the maximum speed at which a vehicle may legally travel on a particular stretch of road. Speed limits are generally set by national or local governments and enforced by traffic police.
History
The first known speed limit was set in the United Kingdom by the Locomotive Act (also known as the Red Flag Act) in 1861, which set a maximum speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) in the country and 2 mph (3.2 km/h) in the city.
Types of speed limits
There are three main types of speed limits: absolute, presumed, and variable.
- Absolute speed limits are the maximum or minimum speed at which one may drive under normal conditions.
- Presumed speed limits are based on the presumption that a speed above a certain limit is unsafe.
- Variable speed limits change based on road, traffic, and weather conditions.
Enforcement
Speed limits are enforced by traffic police using various methods, including radar guns, speed cameras, and aircraft.
Related terms
- Speeding: Driving faster than the posted speed limit or too fast for the conditions.
- Traffic ticket: A notice issued by a law enforcement official to a motorist or other road user, accusing violation of traffic laws.
- Road safety: Measures and methods used to prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Speed limit
- Wikipedia's article - Speed limit
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