Controlling Speed
Nevada tests two ideas at once: the posted number and the speed that is actually safe. The posted limit is the maximum for ideal conditions, not a target to reach in rain, fog or traffic.
The basic speed law
- Never drive faster than is safe for weather, road surface, visibility and traffic. You can be cited for speeding while under the posted limit.
- Slow before a curve, not in it. Slow before a hill crest you cannot see over.
Nevada limits to know
- 25 mph in business and residential districts unless posted otherwise.
- 25 mph in posted school zones when children are present.
- Rural interstate segments are posted as high as 80 mph; urban freeways are lower and always posted.
Following distance and stopping
- Three-second gap in good conditions, more in rain, snow, darkness, or behind a truck or motorcycle.
- Total stopping distance is perception plus reaction plus braking. Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling from 30 to 60 mph takes about four times the distance to stop.
Work zones, weather and slow traffic
- Slow in work zones; penalties increase when workers are present.
- In rain or snow, cut speed, use low beams, and leave extra room - highway speeds on wet pavement invite hydroplaning.
- Slow vehicles belong in the right lane; blocking faster traffic is citable.
Worked example
At 60 mph you cover about 88 feet per second, so a three-second gap is roughly 264 feet - close to a football field - before you even touch the brake. In rain you add a second, pushing the gap past 350 feet, which is why wet-road tailgating removes any chance of stopping in time.
Traps
- Treating the posted limit as safe in rain or fog.
- Braking mid-curve instead of slowing beforehand.
- Ignoring school-zone limits when children are present.
- Tailgating to keep others from cutting in.