TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: Study: Texas the fastest state in the U.S.

Aug. 26, 2014

Cars.com study ranked states based on posted speed limits, average top speeds

A new study ranking states based on their highest posted speed limit puts Texas in the top spot at 85 mph. The Lone Star State is the most extreme example of a national trend toward higher and higher speed limits over the last few decades, according to the study, which was published by cars.com.

Idaho came in right behind Texas after raising speed limits on portions of its roadways to 80 mph this past July. Two other states—Utah and Wyoming—were found to have speed limits of 80 mph or above. Another 12 states topped out at 75 mph, and 22 registered at 70 mph.

Coming in on the bottom of the rankings were Alaska and Washington, D.C., both of which feature speed limits maxed out at 55 mph.

The study also examined average top speeds for each state, which largely correlated to posted speed limits. Texas was again the fastest state with an average speed of 78.3 mph, with Idaho registering 76.7 mph on the radar gun. Alaska and Washington, D.C. displayed average top speeds of 55 mph, and five other states came in at lower than 60 mph.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...