Why are some highways limited to 100 km/h?
3 Answers
The reasons for the 100 km/h speed limit on highways are as follows: 1. The road conditions of such highways are not very good, and if the speed of the car is too high, there will be significant safety hazards. 2. This is similar to some provincial roads with speed limits of 80 or 70 km/h, where the speed is restricted due to environmental factors. Drivers must always adhere to the speed limit regulations when driving. If they exceed the speed limit, they will face severe penalties, as detailed below: 1. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10% but less than 20%: a fine and 3 demerit points. 2. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20% but less than 30%: a fine and 6 demerit points. 3. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30% but less than 50%: a fine and 6 demerit points. 4. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50% but less than 70%: a fine, 12 demerit points, and revocation of the driver's license. 5. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 70%: a fine, 12 demerit points, and immediate revocation of the driver's license.
After driving for so many years, I've noticed that some highway sections have a speed limit of 100 km/h, mainly for safety reasons. You see, these areas often have many turns, narrow roads, or are near mountainous regions with sharp curves. If the speed is too high, braking becomes difficult, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Especially in accident-prone zones, records show that speeding is one of the main causes, so setting the limit at 100 km/h reduces the probability of collisions. Additionally, in visually restricted areas like tunnel entrances or foggy zones, visibility is low, and driving fast is practically playing with fate. Based on these factors, engineers assess risks during design and set lower speed limits to ensure everyone's safety. Braking distance is also relevant: at 120 km/h, the braking distance might exceed 100 meters, but at 100 km/h, it's considerably shorter, providing more buffer time in emergencies. So, don't complain about such speed limits—safety should always come first.
From a road design perspective, there are multiple reasons for setting the speed limit at 100 km/h. Some highways are upgraded from older roads with smaller curve radii or steep gradients, which inherently have lower design speeds – forcing higher speeds could easily lead to rollovers. For instance, mountainous highways with sharp turns and steep slopes are deliberately planned by engineers with these factors in mind, resulting in lower speed limits to ensure stability. Additionally, road surface conditions play a role – on uneven or deteriorated sections, excessive speed increases tire slippage risks. Having worked on similar projects, we simulate how vehicle speeds affect road wear: a 100 km/h limit reduces sudden acceleration, helping prolong pavement lifespan and safety. Bridges, culverts, and elevated sections also warrant caution – high winds make vehicles prone to losing control at excessive speeds. Maintenance teams routinely inspect such segments, imposing limits when standards are exceeded. Ultimately, scientifically designed speed limits prioritize stable driving and accident prevention.
