Oct
28th
Stay connected Subscribe to our RSS feed
On October 28th, 1942, in the midst of World War II, the state of Utah decided to reduce its speed limit to 35 mph (56 km/h) in an effort to save tires and gas. Enforcement of the so-called ''Patriotic Speed Limit'' began on November 10th.
A study by the National Safety Council showed that 46% percent of cars driven by war workers had at least one tire with the tread worn smooth; 23 percent with at least two tires worn smooth; and 11 percent with at least three.
The old speed signs were stored until the limit was raised in 1943.
Meanwhile, car accidents in Utah dropped 35% from 1941-1943, and fatalities decreased by almost 50%.
Source: Mystery of Utah History
A study by the National Safety Council showed that 46% percent of cars driven by war workers had at least one tire with the tread worn smooth; 23 percent with at least two tires worn smooth; and 11 percent with at least three.
The old speed signs were stored until the limit was raised in 1943.
Meanwhile, car accidents in Utah dropped 35% from 1941-1943, and fatalities decreased by almost 50%.
Source: Mystery of Utah History