MI: Speed Limits to Go Up in Detroit?

[Big Dave]

The problem with raising the speed limit from 55 to 70 in Detroit is that while everyone drived 70 now anyway, with a 70 MPH speed limit people will just start driving 90.  That's just the way it is.  It's not that they are driving 70 because they think it is safe, they are driving 70 because they think they can get away with it.

[vdeane]

That's actually a myth.  If you pay attention you will realize that people just don't pay any attention of any kind to speed limits.  Traffic always moves at the same speed on interstates, regardless of speed limit, unless there is a cop near by or some safety reason to slow down.

[Chris]

True. That myth is usually brought up by nimby's who don't want faster traffic by their homes.

People drive a speed that they feel comfortable given the alignment of a road/freeway. Of course, there are always some people who drive too fast, but if most traffic drives 70 in a 55 zone, then the speed limit just doesn't make any sense. Raise it 70. Sure some people might drive even faster, but not all traffic will drive at 90 then.