Is the Texas 85 MPH Freeway Dangerous?

Texas opened the State Highway 130 toll road with a speed limit of 85 mph in 2012. This quickly caught the attention of motorists in and out of state. Other states, such as Utah, boast speed limits up to 80 mph, SH 130 has the highest speed limit in the United States and the second highest speed limit in the world. Some roads in Poland beat SH 130, where the speed limit is roughly 86 mph.

Many Texas drivers flock toward toll roads to avoid congested traffic, and the higher speed limits are even more attractive for motorists who want to get to their destinations quickly. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) hoped for just that when it approved the speed limit, hoping to relieve traffic congestion between San Antonio and Austin. TxDOT also conducted tests to make sure the new speed limits were safe for drivers. Even so, is travel on SH 130 dangerous?

How Speed Limits Affect Safety

The purpose of speed limits is to keep drivers within a safe range of speed suitable for the road conditions. The risk of accidents goes down when drivers obey the speed limit. A lower speed limit doesn’t necessarily mean fewer accidents, but once the limit starts going higher there is an increase in deaths on highways.

Part of the safety of speed limits also comes in collective speed. When motorists are all traveling at the same rate, there is much less risk for an accident, as opposed to when drivers are going at a range of different speeds. Drivers traveling above or below the average traffic speed are more likely to be a part of crashes.

Many drivers feel that going “just a little over” the speed limit is acceptable, so some motorists may add another five or 10 mph over what is posted, believing they are still within a safe range. With SH 130’s 85 mph speed limit, there is a chance of drivers going upwards of 90 mph – which isn’t within TxDOT’s studied speed range.

Speed and Accidents

Increased speed may increase the number of accidents, depending on the roadway. As it stands, though, the higher the speed a vehicle is traveling, the more time is necessary to slow down for hazards on the road. Speed can make it impossible to prevent a collision if drivers are not adhering to proper distance between vehicles.

Higher speed contributes to more than the likelihood of accidents; it also contributes to the severity of accidents. High-speed collisions lead to more extensive damages due to the level of force behind the impact. Accidents at lower speeds are much less likely to cause death than a comparable crash at a higher speed.

Staying Safe on SH 130

SH 130 is still operating with its 85 mph speed limit, despite accidents on the highway. The lack of initiative to decrease the limit over the years indicates it is possible to stay safe on the road. It is up to drivers to be safe and act with responsibility and caution.

Any motorists taking SH 130 should be sure to drive at the speed limit – not above. Likewise, all drivers should avoid distractions and stay alert to react to any potential hazards. Keeping up proper vehicle maintenance and driving on good tires can also help reduce the risk of accidents, just like traveling on any other roadway.

A speed limit of 85 mph does have its dangers, especially for drivers who do not obey traffic regulations. The potential for car accidents increases as more drivers flock to the road. The risk of more severe accidents on SH 130 should encourage drivers to be alert while driving so everyone can arrive at their destinations safely.