North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

The national speed limit of 55 mph was implemented as a response to the 1973 Oil Embargo, a significant event that led to fuel shortages and increased fuel prices in the United States. This measure aimed to conserve fuel during a time of crisis when oil supplies were significantly disrupted. The government believed that reducing speed limits would not only save fuel but also improve road safety due to decreased speed variance among vehicles. The 55 mph limit became federal law in 1974 and remained in effect until it was repealed in 1995. This policy was part of broader efforts to address energy conservation and the economic implications of the oil crisis, demonstrating how external factors can influence transportation policies.