Connecticut drivers need to slow down.

In two recent independent surveys, Connecticut ranked last in safe driving. One survey stated drivers in 56 percent of trips were speeding, compared to a national average of 38 percent.

This is quite apparent whenever I am on either I-95, I-395 or Route 2, set my cruise control to the speed limit, and watch vehicles pass me doing 70-75 mph. So what does the “speed limit” really mean?

A pamphlet put out by the Connecticut Office of the State Traffic Administration, points out that speed limits are often misunderstood by the public.

“Speed limits are established to move traffic in a uniform and safe manner ... (with a) maximum speed limit of 65 mph,” the pamphlet stated.

“During inclement weather, motorists should adjust their operating speeds accordingly.”

Most drivers may not be aware of the fact there are multiple types of speed limit signs to coincide with the requirements of the specifics of the road. The regulatory speed limit sign is the black and white sign showing the maximum speed that a motorist may travel under ideal conditions. Advisory speed limit signs are a black on yellow sign placed in areas such as exit ramps, steep grades and where the speed limit is about to be reduced on the highway.

These are advisory speeds which “are not legally enforceable except under the basic speed law, which states that motorists must operate at speeds reasonable and prudent for conditions.”

Through the stretch of I-95 in East Lyme and Waterford, there are the signs designating a reduced speed to 50 mph ahead, and motorists have until they reach the regulatory speed limit sign to do so. Once you pass the regulatory speed limit sign, you must be travelling at the posted speed.

It is this area where so many speeding tickets could be given out, since no one ever slows down. The average speed through this zone is still 65 mph or more.

It becomes extremely hazardous travelling southbound with I-395 merging into I-95 and exit 75 within 1,000 feet of the merge. Those motorists coming from I-395 should be doing 50 mph as well, but again, this does not happen.

Why do we even have speed limits? According to the pamphlet, “A uniform speed of vehicles in a traffic flow results in the safest operation.

“The posted speed limits can keep the traffic flowing smoothly provided the majority of drivers find the speed

limits reasonable. To do this, the limits must be consistent throughout the state.

The speed limits also give the motorist an idea of a reasonable speed to drive in an unfamiliar location.

“The speed limits are used by police officials to identify excessive speeds and curb unreasonable behavior.”

To add my two cents into speed limits, they were established for our safety. We as motorists must adhere to these limits to keep our roadways safe for all.

It should be noted, there is a minimum speed limit for highways set at 40 mph. Drivers travelling at this speed are still within the law, so stop getting upset with these very few people doing this speed.

I have suggested in past columns lowering the speed limit on I-95 from New Haven to the Rhode Island state line to 55 mph, but apparently this is not a viable solution because, according to authorities, drivers are much more influenced by roadway conditions than speed limits and a speed variance can contribute to crashes rather than preventing them if an unrealistically low speed limit is posted.

This is a shame when you consider how much narrower the highway is from Branford to Old Saybrook, Old Lyme to New London, and Groton to Rhode Island. So, who must take responsibility for keeping our highways and roadways safer? Us, the motorists on the roads!

Lee Edwards of Niantic has spent more than two decades in the transportation industry.