Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Friday Video

Friday Video: Why So Many Speed Limits Just Don’t Work

Speed matters. Numbers on signs, though, don't always get drivers to slow down.

Photo: Dan TD

Why don't the drivers in your town ever seem to follow the posted speed limit, unless a police officer is actively pointing a radar gun at them — and sometimes, not even then? Virginia-based journalist/YouTuber Justine Underhill has a great explainer on the importance of design speed, and what it will take to get motorists to hit the brakes.

This is a great one to send to anyone in your life (or in your local city government) who needs a 101-level primer on one of the most important but counterintuitive concepts in street safety.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Amtrak Is Way More Successful Than You Think

Why do so many people still treat Amtrak as a failure — and what would it take to deliver the rail investment that American riders deserve?

October 24, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Are Hanging Out Down the Street

The same old thing we did last week — until the neighbor wrote a letter to the editor.

October 24, 2025

Talking Headways Podcast: Life After Cars

Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars podcast on their new book, opposing views, Turtle Jesus and potential off-ramps towards car-free cities.

October 23, 2025

Truckers Back NYC Busway Plan That Trump Blocked

The federal government has obviously lost its trucking mind.

October 23, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines Are Driving Into Bankruptcy

A lot of people have taken on car loans they can't really afford. If only there were other ways for them to get around.

October 23, 2025

PROWAG Passed. Now What?

"Even though we do not yet have a set of comprehensive federally enforceable rules telling us how to make our streets and sidewalks accessible, there is still lots of work to do."

October 23, 2025
See all posts