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Speed limit laws in America: The role of geography, mobility and ideology

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  • Albalate, Daniel
  • Bel, Germà

Abstract

Speed limits had been centralized at the federal level since 1974, until decisions were devolved to the states in 1995. However, the centralization debate has reemerged in recent years. This paper conducts the first econometric analysis of the determinants of speed limit laws and State reactions after the repeal. By using mobility, geographic and political variables, our results suggest that geography – which reflects private mobility needs and social preferences –, is one of the main factors influencing speed limit laws, together with political ideology. Furthermore, we identify the presence of regional and time diffusion effects. By presenting first evidence on policy determinants, we provide a better understanding of the formulation of the heterogeneity of speed limits in US and offer implications for the debate on centralization and decentralization of transport policy.

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  • Albalate, Daniel & Bel, Germà, 2012. "Speed limit laws in America: The role of geography, mobility and ideology," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 337-347.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:transa:v:46:y:2012:i:2:p:337-347
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2011.10.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mercedes Castro-Nuno & José I. Castillo-Manzano & Diego J. Pedregal-Tercero, 2013. "The Speed Limits Debate: Is Effective A Temporary Change? The Case Of Spain," ERSA conference papers ersa13p160, European Regional Science Association.
    2. Dell’Acqua, G. & Russo, F. & Mauro, R., 2013. "https:Validation procedure for predictive functions of driver behaviour on two-lane rural roads," European Transport \ Trasporti Europei, ISTIEE, Institute for the Study of Transport within the European Economic Integration, issue 53, pages 1-10.
    3. Castillo-Manzano, José I. & Castro-Nuño, Mercedes & Pedregal-Tercero, Diego J., 2014. "Temporary speed limit changes: An econometric estimation of the effects of the Spanish Energy Efficiency and Saving Plan," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 44(S1), pages 68-76.
    4. Dulebenets, Maxim A. & Ozguven, Eren Erman & Moses, Ren, 2018. "The Highway Beautification Act: Towards improving efficiency of the Federal Outdoor Advertising Control Program," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 88-106.
    5. Kristoffersson, Ida & Große, Christine & Olsson, Leif, 2024. "Traffic safety versus accessibility: Investigating resistance against speed limit reductions," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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