When most drivers in Florida think of speed limits, they think of something painted on a sign that’s permanently installed at the side of the road. But new research has shown that variable speed limits can make the roads a lot safer, particularly in construction zones. Instead of asking drivers to drop their speed suddenly when reaching a hazard, variable speed limits prepare people early and keep traffic flows smooth.
Preventing rear end collisions
Research shows that there are over 1.5 million rear-end motor vehicle accidents in the US annually. A lot of these happen on highways at high speeds. They can easily be fatal. One reason these types of collisions are so common is that they occur in work zones where speed limits change quickly.
It can be hard for drivers to adjust their speed when coming upon a construction zone. That’s especially true when there’s a long backup of traffic. Drivers need to slow down, but they can’t see the worksite yet. There’s no visual cue and no reason to anticipate what’s coming. All they know is that they need to brake if they don’t want to run into someone else.
Why variable speed limits work
Variable speed limits alert drivers to upcoming hazards. They can be posted on traffic message boards, along with the reason for the reduced speed limit. Letting drivers know they’re coming up on a work zone prepares them for deceleration. They can gradually reduce their speed, rather than slamming on the brakes.
Remember, if you are involved in an accident, get checked out medically even if you feel okay. It’s also prudent to contact a lawyer. A skilled attorney might be able to get you a better settlement than the initial offer from an insurance company.