What percentage of fatal crashes occur in a zone with a speed limit of 40 MPH or less?

The correct percentage indicating that 15% of fatal crashes occur in zones with a speed limit of 40 MPH or less reflects data that emphasizes the critical role that lower-speed environments play in traffic safety. Urban areas and residential settings generally have lower speed limits to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. However, these areas can still see a significant portion of crashes due to factors such as higher traffic density, mixed-use roadways, and an increase in potential conflict points between vehicles and non-motorists.

Understanding that 15% is a specific figure derived from traffic data highlights the importance of speed management and the need for awareness of speed limits in various environments, particularly in areas where vulnerable populations may be present. The statistics can also inform policies aimed at improving roadway safety measures, such as implementing speed humps, enhanced crosswalks, and stricter enforcement of speed limits to continue reducing fatal crashes at these lower speeds.