What’s Up With All the Weird Speed Limits in Tennessee?

I think it's a little ironic that Opry Mills--standing where most of Opryland USA used to be--opened 24 years ago, considering the theme of this story.

I visited the mega-mall a couple of years after they cut the ribbon, and I was duly impressed...especially with Bass Pro Shops which still attracts my attention to this day, even IF I seldom need anything there. But something else stood out during that first visit--the speed limit signs on Opry Mills Drive.

That threw me a bit because I'd only ever seen speed limits ending in zeroes or fives; why was it set at 24 MPH here? Having no clue about the bizarre number, I assumed it was because Interstate 24 runs through Nashville, but that doesn't make any sense. I-95 runs up the Atlantic Coast, but that doesn't mean nearby roads have a 95 MPH speed limit. But here's the thing...I can't FIND an official reason for the odd speed limit, only guesses.

From BrautunGud on Reddit:

It catches your subconscious off guard and possibly makes you look at how fast you are moving.

From Greasy Jack on Straight Dope:

The idea is that having a funny number will make you actually notice it instead of just ignoring the invisible 25 MPH sign. It’s clearly working!

Other suggestions are in the same ballpark, and they're right. You DO notice it because it's an atypical number, but it's not the only strange speed limit in the Volunteer State. Head to Trenton TN--the Teapot Capitol of the World--and you'll see another one, and it's one the small town of just over 4,000 is quite proud of.

At least in Trenton, it's confirmed that the odd speed limit was chosen so, yes, it will be noticed. As for Carriage Crossing in Collierville TN--a suburb of Memphis--well, I can't find anything...nothing official, no speculation, nothing. But if you go 20 MPH through this popular shopping district, you'll be going too fast.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it, but all those unusual numbers ARE just one away from speed limits we're USED to seeing. I'm buying the "noticeable" angle, because they are, and, well, I can't think of another good reason.

Carry on.