Speed limits?

dual_reality

It's a safety issue depending on the condition of the road and the volume of traffic. The federal gov't has set guidelines for the speed limit and tied it to highway funding to make sure states follow their recommendations.(forced compliance)
There is one state that has a speed limit of 100 mph depending on weather conditions(don't remember).
But most interstates have a 70 mph limit while inter city limits vary from 55 65 mph depending on population and traffic volume.
Euro cars are better handling than us v-8s which are good for acceleration and straight away. Not to mention some tires are not rated for high speed for long durations and are prone to failure.

Natalie B

Because they let 16 year olds go behind the wheel!
I'm not entirely sure - though I guess that it makes sense, especially in states like Vermont which are hilly, with twisty roads and lots of moose about!

Jake

So cops can give more tickets. There are so many roads where I live that are 25mph, and it's hard to keep from going 40 just because they're so big and empty and vacant. Seriously, if theres no trees to obstruct view, the road is big enough for 4 lanes, and no kids ever play on it, and it's a major road, why is it 25?

Also no one goes 65 on the turnpike/parkway/freeway. You can safely go 80.

chillipope

American cars don't handle well, all grunt and no finesse

J.R.

Americans, as a whole, do not drive as well as the English and Europeans. Our roads are also not built for high speeds.

Many Americans also want the government to fix everything for them. Lower speed limits are one way for the government to reduce highway deaths. I personally think the government should keep their noses out of our business.

The Fat Controller

As said above it is a relic of the 1973 fuel crisis that was introduced to save fuel

Gem of Wisdom

The energy crisis in the 1970's was used as a justification of US speed limits.

Also I believe UK cars would tend to be much more fuel efficient.

Cheers

Alicat

we don't have to do everything the same......

'Dr Greene'

Is it because American cars go well in a straight line, but arent known for their handling. I guess American roads are better and straighter too.

Europeans cars handle better, whilst American cars seem to go faster from a standing start.

jock Mc doogle

cos the yanks can not drive proper there allways on the wrong side of the road

private dick

they focus on safty more in the states than they do in england.....

marwinstonboro

america is caught up in revenue and saftey theres more money in having lower speed limits dollar for dollar america makes the fastest best handling cars.thats why i bought a z06 corvette england makes nothing close.what do the germans want on the autobaun?corvettes, gt500 mustang and late model camaros and vipers european car manufacturers make nothing close to any of theese for the money. i love the veyron bugatti though wish it wasnt so expensive

Deaks

Its because roads in the US are so long with not many bends, that if some one goes to sleep at 70mph its more dangerous than at 50mph. And this is no joke!
Hope this helps!
Happy new Year!

Jmp813

I personally like to go fast so I don't like the speed limits here, but all I can think of is they have longer rodes or something like that.

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