An unrealistically low speed limit can actually lead to crashes. Second, some drivers will obey the lower posted speed while others will feel it's unreasonable and simply ignore it. This disrupts the uniform traffic flow and increases crash potential between the faster and the slower drivers. Third, when traffic is traveling at different speeds, the number of breaks in traffic to permit safe crossing is reduced.
Pedestrians also have greater difficulty in judging the speed of approaching vehicles.
Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Sections 2073 to 2075 deal with unlawful speed. Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Sections 2073 and 2075 authorizes the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Chief of the State Police, to set maximum and minimum speed limits on a public way. Maine Statutes, Title 29A, Section 2075, states that speed limits may be specifically restricted in a work zone on a public way. A person may not exceed the speed limit as long as the speed limit has been posted on standard black and white speed limit signs on that way. The penalty is a fine equal to twice the normal fine.