Frederick County Highway Safety Task Force

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	[FAQS] [Safety Tips] [Driving with ABS] [ABS Do's] [ABS Don'ts] [Related Sites] Q: How are speed limits set? A: Maryland vehicle law sets basic speed limits for various classes of streets and highways. The law provides that these limits can be raised or lowered, based on the results of traffic engineering studies. Q: What are the maximum speed limits as set forth by Maryland statute? A: The speed limit statutes are as follows: 30 mph on all highways in a business district and undivided highways in a residential district. 35 mph on a divided highway in a residential district. 50 mph on undivided highways in other locations. 55 mph on divided highway in other locations. Maximum speed limits of more than 55 mph may not be established or continued on any highway in the State of Maryland that is not an interstate highway or an expressway. A maximum speed limit of more than 65 mph may not be established on any highway in the State of Maryland. Q: What conditions influence speed limits? A: The following conditions influence speed limits? Atypical traffic characteristics because of particular land use or other conditions. Road designs elements substantially above or below what are atypical. Prevailing speeds consistently higher or lowers than the statutory speed limit. Transition between rural and urban areas on major highways. Schools or other significant pedestrian traffic areas. Road construction activity. Frequent collisions in which speed is a contributing factor. Unusual or unanticipated conditions. Q: What is a traffic engineering study? A: A traffic engineering study is the observation and analysis of road and traffic characteristics to guide the application of traffic engineering principles. The study of traffic limits includes the following: Review of the road's environment, features, and conditions and traffic characteristics. Observation and measurement of vehicle speeds at one or more representative spots along the road in ideal weather and under free-flowing traffic conditions. Analysis of the vehicle speeds to determine average and 85th percentile speeds and other characteristics. Review of the road's crash history. Review of any unusual conditions not readily apparent to the driver. Q: What is the 85th percentile speed? A: The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the motorists drive on a given road when unaffected by slower traffic or poor weather. This speed indicates the speed that most motorists on that road consider safe and reasonable under ideal conditions.
	Avoid Becoming an Aggressive Driver by Using These Safety Tips:
	Plan your trip, know where you are going, your route, where to park, etc. Give yourself enough time, make it a relaxing drive. Be aware of your surroundings and give full time and attention to driving. Avoid confrontation. Be polite and courteous despite other driver's actions. Avoid eye contact with an "aggressive driver". Use the left lane only to pass. Use signals and with enough warning. Use the horn only as a "safety device" not a "retaliatory device". Exhibit self-control. Do not make obscene gestures. Be an example to young drivers.
	Tips for Driving with an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS):
	Always "brake and steer" when using four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Remember to steer while braking with four-wheel anti-lock brake systems. Drive safely, because anti-lock brakes are only as good as the driver using them. Expect noise and vibration in the brake pedal when anti-lock brakes are in use. Anti-lock brake systems stop more quickly than conventional brakes on wet paved surfaces and on icy or packed snow-covered roads. Be aware of the difference between four-wheel and rear-wheel ABS. In light trucks equipped with rear-wheel ABS, the front wheels can lock up the same as with conventional brakes. It's easy to find out whether a car has anti-lock brakes.
	ABS Do's:
	Keep your foot on the brake. Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake while steering. Allow enough distance to stop. Follow three seconds or more behind vehicles when driving in good conditions. Practice driving with ABS. Become accustomed to pulsations that occur in the brake pedal when ABS is activated. Consult the owner's manual for additional driving instructions on the ABS system. Know the difference between four-wheel and rear-wheel ABS.
	ABS DON'Ts:
	Don't drive ABS equipped vehicles more aggressively than vehicles without ABS. Don't pump the brakes, ABS automatically pumps the brakes, and at a much faster rate, which allows better steering control. Don't forget to steer. Don't be alarmed by mechanical noises and/or slight pedal pulsations while applying the brake. These conditions are normal and are indications that the ABS is working.
	Other Sites Related to Aggressive Driving:
	AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Driven to Become Road Warriors Article appeared in March 31, 1997 Edition of the Washington Post [FAQS] [Safety Tips] [Driving with ABS] [ABS Do's] [ABS Don'ts] Frederick County Highway Safety Task Force.