What is the relationship between speed limit increases and the frequency of crashes?

The assertion that higher speeds do not significantly change crash frequency reflects the understanding of how speed limits and vehicle physics interact. While it might intuitively seem that increasing speed limits could lead to more accidents due to reduced reaction times and increased severity of crashes, research often indicates that the relationship between speed limits and crash frequency is not as straightforward as one might expect.

This means that while higher speeds can have an effect on the dynamics of accidents, the overall statistics may show a limited correlation between increases in speed limits and the number of crashes occurring. Factors such as road conditions, driver behavior, enforcement of traffic laws, and public awareness can also play significant roles in influencing crash frequency, which may dilute the direct impact of speed alone.

By considering the multifaceted nature of traffic incidents, it becomes clear why the assertion that higher speeds do not significantly change crash frequency is sometimes supported by data in traffic safety studies.