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Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Speed Study -Boston Ma Before After Speed 30 MPH Limit 25 MPH Limit Change 50th percentile 24.8 24.8 0 85th percentile 31.0 31.0 0 +25 MPH 47.9% 46.9% 2% +30 MPH 18.2% 18.1 % -0.5% Speed Profile on Local Streets Wisconsin Vs. Minnesota AverageRoadway percentile Speed Width (MPH) Feet River Falls, WI Woodbury, MN 30 32 32 32 33 32 36 31 34 40 34 34 42 34 36 The FHWA conducted a national studywith over 100 sites in 22 states where speed limits were changed by 5 to 20 mph. The report concluded that differences in actual speeds were less than 2 mph and were NOT related to the amount the posted speed limitwas changed. Over the years, MnDOT has conducted a number of experiments in the Minneapolis -St. Paul Metro area. In each case, local governments requested changing the speed limit and, in each case, MnDOT agreed to a temporary change, to conduct periodic speed surveys and offered local agencies the opportunity to apply as much enforcement as they saw fit. The results of the speed surveys (see table) show that 85%speeds were virtually unchanged, and itwas concluded that merely changing the number on the regulatory signs did NOT change driver behavior. Two studies were found, that document the effect of lower citywide urban speed limits. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety documented the effect of Boston, MA. lowering their urban speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph. The study (see nearby table) found that changing the speed limit had NO effect on driver behavior - the average speed (25 mph) and 85th percentile speed (31 mph) did NOT change. A speed study was conducted on local streets in Woodbury, MN (statutory 30 mph limit) and River Falls, WI (statutory 25 mph limit). (See nearby table) The results indicate that average 85th percentile speeds are similar despite the different statutory speed limit. 31 Page 163 of 185