Granted, stats are frequently misunderstood or misrepresented or both, but don't discount them simply on that premise. Look at who's presenting the data and see if there is a controlling interest in the information they're providing. Look at how the information was gathered, and where it was gathered. Is it statistically valid?
NOW we're talking! Precisely the point! From my findings, what I've learned is that DOTs (dept of transp) almost always will present 'no significant increase' stats and will support their decision to raise the limits with 'neutral/positive' REAL DATA / NUMBERS. I have yet to hear of a DOT which found significantly more casualties and REVERTED its decision to raise limits. You can research those specific DOTs from our site at
www.stop100.ca. (ok, there was one but it was not a 'reversal' but a change after many years: Dubai had a 160km/h limit and reduced it to 140 km /h strictly enforced not long ago). Still... they allow 140km/h!
Now, their opposition - usually IIHS-like bodies (Insurance Inst. For Highway Safety) - a body funded by insurance companies. They are extremely anti-speed. Now... sure they claim safety and all (and have been promoting safety for years in a form of vehicle safety improvements), but their anti-speed campaigns and countless stats seems to be so contrary to the DOT's findings.
Let's analyze this a bit using a US example (as they do this a lot more than Canada, ie, change things)....
WHO is telling the "truth".... well, who has something to gain/lose:
By raising the limits the GOV'T/DOTs :
LOSE: REDUCE THEIR TICKET REVENUES by getting a lot less tickets to city coffers. Risk "widespread casualties/war-like scenes, bloodshed on the roads".
GAIN: HMMM... NOTHING? Just a "bunch of" happier/more free drivers who can finally go faster. Maybe more $ from more tax money from gas?
By lowering (or not raising) the limits / promoting "speed-kills" theories, the Insurance Companies and IIHS:
LOSE: NOTHING? Seriously, can't think of anything. They don't even get blamed for low limits - the gov't does...
GAIN: Lower speed limits = more frustrated and tempted drivers = MORE TICKETS = INSURANCE RATE HIKES = MORE REVENUE (from the same driver who previously paid less, but just got more tickets because speed limit was lowered, not because he/she started driving "recklessly" above the newly lowered speed limits), PUBLIC IMAGE of great servants and safety advocates and protecting innocent lives, stories or countless numbers saved due to lower limits, more perceived public TRUST from brainwashed people who believe that their lives are being saved by IIHS opposing limits increases --> using that trust to promote more "safety tools" - red light cameras, speed cameras in the cities --> and loop back to the beginning... --> more cameras --> more tickets and so on.....
IIHS promotes cameras like crazy, they continue to publish stats how much safer the cities who adopted them are etc... They fail to notice the cities who have banned cameras (read an article on it once, can't remember which ones, but there were some, just like Ontario who has refused to accept them few years back).
Now, can you think why something like IIHS does not exist in Europe? EU Insurance companies (or at least in some countries I know for SURE 100%) do not raise your
premiums based on tickets - but strictly on CLAIMS!!!! Can you imagine? World like this actually exists! So, essentially insurance companies care less about your tickets, as they gain nothing from them!
Just something to consider when reading "safety stats". Again.. who gains and who loses... Statistically those DOTs do not observe almost any increased casualties with higher limits... (Montana with no speed limit saw no SINGLE extra casualty - when the limit of 75 mph was imposed, the casualty rate has actually slightly gone up, I've seen the actual real numbers, totally contrary to IIHS theories).