Why People Deviate from the Prevailing Speed and how a higher limit will change their behavior By Ben Langlotz A. 55 in a 55, when the flow is 65. B. 80 in a 65, when the flow is 70. The flow is slowed by a low limit and fear of tickets, etc.
Enforcement is rare, so the real risk of a ticket is low due to safety in numbers.
C. Frightened 45 mph elderly and decrepit Beetles. D. Racers and suicidal maniacs. History shows that we may see about a 2 mph increase in the average speed, but much of this must be coming from A and his bretheren. Those few who think they can still do 10 or 15 over, like before, will no longer find friendly convoys of violators. Now, the officer will be either enforcing lane discipline, observing impaired or inattentive drivers, or hiding in a speed trap waiting for the true sprinters.