Speed Limits
Lower speeds mean more time to react, shorter stopping distances, and fewer lives lost. Creating safer streets isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s also about making sure drivers are traveling at speeds that protect everyone on the road.
The faster a vehicle is moving, the more dangerous it becomes for pedestrians. Even small increases in speed can dramatically raise the risk of severe injury or death.
Risk of Severe Injury by Impact Speed:
- 10% risk at 16 mph
- 25% risk at 23 mph
- 50% risk at 31 mph
- 75% risk at 39 mph
- 90% risk at 46 mph
Risk of Death by Impact Speed:
- 10% risk at 23 mph
- 25% risk at 32 mph
- 50% risk at 42 mph
- 75% risk at 50 mph
- 90% risk at 58 mph
Age Makes a Difference:
- Older adults face higher risks at lower speeds.
- For example, a 70-year-old pedestrian hit at 25 mph faces about the same risk of severe injury or death as a 30-year-old hit at 35 mph.
