As mandated by state law, speed limits on paved primary roads are set in accordance with engineering studies. Among other things, a key factor is the "85th percentile speed" of drivers on the road, that is the speed at which 85 percent of motorists are driving. Decades of studies indicate the majority of motorists will not change their speed from the 85th percentile just because the posted speed limit is changed. The 85th percentil speed is the sped at which most motorists feel comfortable traveling on that road. Additionally, the Michigan State Police have to sign off on a speed limit change, and our experience is that they would not sign off on a change that moves away from the 85th percentile. Regardless of the speed limit, drivers are required to drive at a speed that is safe and reasonable for the conditions, which includes the precense of deer. Additionally, if the presence of deer were a determining factor, we'd have to lower the speed limit on just about every road in Oakland County.

Road Commission for Oakland County