For my roadkill project, I studied the speed limit within the New England area. I predicted that the speeds from 35 to 55 miles per hour would have the most effect. I predicted this because most roads that are in the area are between 35 and 55 miles per hour. So, since a lot of roadkill happens in the area, I felt that 35 to 55 miles per hour was a good choice.

As I was looking at my information, I realized that my prediction was not very accurate. In the year and 2009, the roads of 35 miles per hour or less took over. There were about 200 more animals killed than the 35 to 55 miles per hour roads. This surprised me because I would think that more animals would be killed in a higher speed limit range. In 2006, the 35 miles per hour or less roads barely took the lead. This still surprised me because again, I would think animals would be killed at a higher speed. In 2004, 35 to 55 miles took first place by about 20 animals. Finally, my prediction was correct!

I was very surprised at the roadkill results. I thought that most animals would have been killed from 35 to 55 miles per hour. I thought this because most main roads are around 35 to 55 miles per hour and most roadkill is probably killed on main roads. I was also surprised that the slowest speeds took over in 2 of the 3 years. It seems like if you drive slower, you would not kill any animals.

Next year, I would predict that the same speed limit would take over. I believe this because I measured three years for my project and for 2 of the 3 years, the 35 to 55 miles per hour took the lead. So, I believe that next year the information would stay about the same. But, with new cars being made, you never know what next year will be like.