Most people believe that lowering speed limits and posting more speed limit signs will cause drivers to drive slower and reduce accidents.
Facts indicate otherwise.
Decades of research conducted in this country reveals that drivers are most influenced by roadway appearance, traffic, and weather conditions, NOT the posted speed limit. If the school zone is controlled by electronic flashers, the speed limit and hours of operation may vary. All other speed limits in Amarillo are established on the basis of Traffic Engineering surveys. The surveys include analysis of roadway conditions, accident records, and the prevailing speed of prudent drivers. The 85th percentile speed assumes that most drivers are reasonable and will drive at a safe speed, not wishing to endanger themselves or anyone else, and that they wish to reach their destination in the shortest possible time without having an accident.