Ouch !
Until 2001 the speed limit for local, neighbourhood streets in all Australian jurisdictions was generally 60 km/h. Jurisdictions then moved to a default 50 km/h limit, with the move having been closely evaluated for safety and other outcomes. The different evaluations consistently show that the lowered speed limit is associated with increased crash numbers and significantly crash severity. Perceptual tests reveal that a 50 km/h limit results in drivers being more easily distracted with lower response times to unexpected stimuli.