Utah Finds Drivers Slow Down When Speed Limits Rises To 80 MPH

Since the Utah Department of Transportation increased the posted speed limit from 75 mph to 80 mph on two stretches of I-15 in southern Utah, drivers have actually slowed down.

With an 80 mph posted speed limit, people are driving 81 mph to 85 mph, said Carlos Braceras, UDOT deputy director. With a 75 mph posted speed limit, people were driving 83 mph to 85 mph.

The speeds don't reflect an average driver, however, but the behavior of 85 percent of the drivers north of Scipio in Millard County to south of Fillmore.

Utah is the only state besides Texas with 80 mph postings. In Texas, the 80 mph sections are rural, too.


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