The following is an excerpt of an article that appeared in the Summer 2006 issue of MOVE magazine. To order a back copy of this issue or to subscribe contact AAMVA at (703) 522-4200.
By Kevin M. Morrison
Americans have had a fascination with speed since the turn of the century. When the automobile was invented, there were no regulations for such vehicles.
During the first half of the twentieth century, American cars were made for basic transportation and the speeds at which they were driven were dependant on personal need alone.
In 1901, Connecticut became the first state to impose a speed limit, establishing eight miles per hour (mph) as a maximum speed within corporate city limits. In 1926, the Uniform Vehicle Code established “reasonable and prudent” criteria for vehicle speeds. Yet even as the criteria were set, automobiles of that era were capable of speeds up to 100 mph. The 1929 Duesenberg sported a Lycoming straight eight engine and could top out at 120 mph. Today, the Uniform Vehicle Code is regulated by the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO).
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Speed is quickly becoming a crisis for the highway safety arena. Take a look at how technology, collaborartion and enforcement can deter speeding drivers.
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