Whats up with the speed limits?

Question

I don't understand the logic about how speed limits are set but I think its might to generate a lot of revenue for the government. Its like sometimes Im driving down a road and the speed limit is 45mph its a two lane highway thats straight for like 15 miles without any major curves or turns or hills. Then Im driving in a rural area with skinny roads and the speed limit is like 45. But if that was a highly populated area with no residence or businesses close to the road the speed limit would be like 25 even the roads are straight. Someone please explain how they decide what the speed limit will be for a road.

Answer 1

It's a Romulan conspiracy!

Answer 2

Speed limits are set by the LOCAL governments, and it's a fact that some of these towns are speed traps, as in sections of a road where, say, the speed limit suddenly drops from 55 to 35. And yes, this is how some towns supplement their income. Georgia has a few towns that are notorious for that.

Answer 3

In California the speed limit is decided by road conditions, traffic and the speed of 85% of the vehicles traveling on the roadway.

Answer 4

Speed limits are law, not sure what you don't understand about this. You see the signs on the side of the road, you match them with that dial at the center of your dash. You match up the numbers, and poof! You won't get tickets Einstein! That's all we need, a world where everyone drives like frigging mad max! ...... NOT

Answer 5

The rationale for having them is risk management -- states (and cities) are allowed to pass laws that limit what you can do because what you can do MIGHT eventually cause a problem.

As to how the numbers are set, that's even more arbitrary -- whoever is in charge (usually city council or county board) decides how fast they think people should be going.