
Did you know that more than 37,000 Americans have died in high-speed car crashes within the last 25 years? That value is quite high and only increases with each passing year. Well aware of this fact, many automakers are now under pressure to limit the top speeds of their vehicles, and are considering doing so with their future models.
Ever since Congress repealed the national maximum speed limit in 1994, several states have established speed limits as high as 85 mph. With that in mind, it is important to note that excess speed partakes in about 26 percent of all fatalities on the highway, as stated by U.S. safety regulators. The faster one drives, the lower that individual’s chance of surviving a crash. Another point that experts make is that lowering speed limits is necessary due to the high number of distracted drivers. Additionally, lower speed limits are said to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Just recently, Swedish automaker Volvo stated that it plans on capping the top speed at 112 mph in its cars. It will implement this with the 2021 model-year. With Volvo in the lead, who knows what other automakers will follow suit?
However, not everyone buys into the idea that top speeds of vehicles should be reduced, or that “speed kills”. Some individuals believe that actually increasing the speed limit on some roads or highways will actually make those areas safer. There are studies that show that keeping traffic at a consistent speed, with fairly minor gaps between the fastest and slowest cars, is what is most important.
Whether or not you believe automakers should decrease the top speed of vehicles, you should be careful to drive safely at all times. Regularly check your speedometer to see that you are driving at an appropriate speed. If you see that the speedometer is not correctly displaying your actual speed, or any of the other gauges are broken on your instrument cluster, consider getting speedometer repair immediately. It can be hazardous to both your safety and the safety of others if you hold off on getting speedometer repair. A great speedometer repair shop you can turn to for speedometer repair services is Safety Restore.
