What other country uses miles per hour?

Holding Onto Miles: Why the US and UK Stick with MPH in a Kilometer-Driven World

While the vast majority of the world has embraced the metric system, using kilometers per hour (kph) to measure speed limits, a few notable holdouts remain. The United States and the United Kingdom stand out as prominent examples of countries clinging to miles per hour (mph), a vestige of their shared history and a testament to the inertia of ingrained habits. But why, in an increasingly interconnected and metric-centric world, do these nations persist with this different standard?

The answer isn’t simple and involves a confluence of factors. Historical precedent plays a significant role. Both the US and the UK developed their road infrastructure using miles, and the cost and logistical complexity of a complete overhaul have proven prohibitive. Replacing every speed limit sign, recalibrating speedometers in every vehicle, and educating the public represents a monumental undertaking, and the perceived benefits haven’t been enough to justify the disruption.

Public resistance also contributes to the continued use of mph. There’s a familiarity and comfort with the existing system, and change can be met with apprehension, even if the proposed change is arguably more logical in the global context. For many drivers, mph is simply what they’ve always known, and the effort required to adapt to a new system feels unnecessary. This resistance isn’t unique to speed limits; the US, in particular, has shown a general reluctance to fully embrace the metric system in other areas as well.

Interestingly, the UK presents a slightly more nuanced picture. While road signage and speed limits remain in mph, other measurements, like distances between cities, are often given in both miles and kilometers, reflecting a greater awareness and acceptance of the metric system. This duality hints at the possibility of a future transition, although no concrete plans are currently in place.

The continued use of mph in the US and UK represents a fascinating case study in the interplay of history, practicality, and public perception. While the rest of the world has largely standardized on kph, these two nations offer a reminder that change, even when seemingly logical, can be a slow and complex process. Whether they will eventually join the global majority and switch to kph remains to be seen, but for now, miles continue to reign supreme on their roads.