What is the main purpose of speed limits?

The main purpose of speed limits is to manage traffic flow and enhance safety. Speed limits are established based on various factors, including road conditions, traffic patterns, and the type of area (residential, commercial, rural, etc.). Ensuring that vehicles travel at safe speeds helps reduce the risk of accidents, which can be more likely to occur at higher speeds.

By controlling how fast vehicles can go, speed limits help maintain a consistent flow of traffic, decrease the likelihood of collisions, and improve overall road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. This regulatory measure is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring that drivers can respond appropriately to changing road conditions and the behavior of other road users.

Other options, such as regulating emissions or increasing revenue from fines, are not the primary function of speed limits but may be peripheral considerations influenced by traffic and safety laws.