If you would raise the speed limit, what would it be?

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ultimatebob

Lifer
Jul 1, 2001
25,134
2,450
126
I'd shoot for a maximum speed limit of 80, which means that most drivers would do between 85 and 90. I think that most cars built in the last decade or so are safe enough to handle a top speed like that.

Of, course, an "express lane" just for cars like BMW's and Jaguar's with a top speed of 110 would be nice, too :)
 

EatSpam

Diamond Member
May 1, 2005
6,423
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Depends on the road and conditions. There are some stretches of interstate in the Appalachan mountains that I wouldn't do more than 70mph. OTOH, if it were legal, I could see doing 105mph on some stretches of Illinois highway.
 

BMdoobieW

Diamond Member
Oct 26, 2000
3,166
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Either no limit at all, or something like 120MPH on Interstates and other roads that can handle it.
 

Soccerman06

Diamond Member
Jul 29, 2004
5,830
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81
Well considering I drive 90mph when I get on the interstate, and there is always a caravan of cars following me (usually college students), I dont see why the speed limit shouldnt be 20mph higher.

Its not very hard at all to drive cars 100+ mph, the main thing you need to think about is that most cars take 3-5x (car dependant) the distance to stop as going 50mph, and to not make immediate/sudden change in directions. Its been proven that its possible to have a controlled, speed limit free area like the Autobahn. Places like deserts, N and S Dakota, most of Montana and Utah are places that a speed limit free zone could be implimented without too much trouble. I dont think there should be Autobahn style speed limits in major congested area around large cities. Just a speed limit of 80mph, and a freakin min of 60mph. Burn in hell people who drive 10 under the speed limit
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
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Originally posted by: Brainonska511

With how people drive in NY, I could believe that people would drive faster.... and then throw in the no turn signals, lane drifting, etc....

I cannot understand that. Why would someone be jerk and drive over 100 mph and risk the safety of others? I mean if you are doing it at night and no one is on the road, thats one thing, but just driving over the speed limit regularly for the sake of doing it, sounds stupid.

I would never do that, and I cant understand why others would.

But if thats the case, then I guess it explains whose fault it is for why we have to deal with these stupid limits. :(
 

RaDragon

Diamond Member
May 23, 2000
4,123
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Originally posted by: PorBleemo
It really irks me that my cars engine has so much potential yet it is neutered by a speed limit of 55mph. I believe that the speed limit should be somewhat higher. If it was my say I would have main drags be akin to the Autobahn, with a ceiling of say 100mph. But the smaller rural highways would remain the same.

What do you think?

-Por

AFAIK Autobahn is 100+ km/h -- If you compare that to miles per hour, it's actually comparable to what people are doing nowadays (when speeding).

http://home.att.net/~texhwyman/autobahn.htm#regs

SPEED LIMITS

Despite the widespread belief of complete freedom from speed limits, and a lobbying effort that has the same power and deep pockets that the American gun lobby has, some speed regulations can be found on the Autobahns. Many sections, particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, or with unusually constant heavy traffic, may feature speed limits ranging from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph). In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph). Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below). Still, much of the Autobahn is unlimited, but there is a recommended limit of 130 km/h (81 mph). This recommendation is generally seen for what it is-- an attempt by the government to cover itself without having to upset millions of Porsche and BMW owners/voters. However, if you exceed the recommended limit and are involved in an accident, you could be responsible for some of the damage costs even if you are not at fault.


[ e d i t ]

That being said, I think the speed limit should stay where it is. When you go faster, you don't get as good gas mileage, no?
 
D

Deleted member 4644

Here is the problem.. the energy of a car traveling at 60mph and 80mph are significantly different. I drive at up to 80mph myself.. although not if there are traffic conditions.

The problem is that stopping becomes much harder and hitting things is much worse.

Maybe 75mph is a reasonable and happy compromise.
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
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Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Keep them the way they are for the masses - but add special lanes for those with "upgraded" licenses.

To get these "upgraded licenses", drivers must take a rigorous and harshly graded performance driving class and a tough test of skill in order to complete it. Not the joke of a driver's ed class that everyone takes. Anyone caught driving in the speed lanes without an upgraded license would be fined heavily. Same goes for anyone caught yapping on the phone, or otherwise distracted in these lanes, upgraded license or not. Absolutely no commercial traffic allowed.

That way, the sh!tty, slow drivers stay on the main roads, and those who wish to drive fast without these obstacles (provided they pass the test, of course) can do so. The grandmas don't get pissed about tailgaters and speeders, and those who actually know what they are doing and take driving seriously get a road without all the crap drivers on it.

Yes, it's flawed, but...I can dream. ;)

I can picture it now.
People going 100 miles an hour in the left lane, while people are going 50 in the lane over, LOL.

That wouldnt be dangerous. ;)
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
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Everybody goes 75 right now. If you raise it to 75, people will just go 90. I'd say lower it back to 55 and hand out tickets like crazy. Speeding mofos.
 
Dec 4, 2002
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Originally posted by: Baked
Everybody goes 75 right now. If you raise it to 75, people will just go 90. I'd say lower it back to 55 and hand out tickets like crazy. Speeding mofos.

That will never happen. Eventually the SL will increase. Look at the cars on the market today. Any shmuck can go get a 400hp GTO for relatively cheap. Cars are getting more powerful and faster.
 

Excelsior

Lifer
May 30, 2002
19,047
18
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Originally posted by: bR
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Originally posted by: PorBleemo
It really irks me that my cars engine has so much potential yet it is neutered by a speed limit of 55mph. I believe that the speed limit should be somewhat higher. If it was my say I would have main drags be akin to the Autobahn, with a ceiling of say 100mph. But the smaller rural highways would remain the same.

What do you think?

-Por

The US should follow the way of the Autobahn IMO :)

I would prefer the US work on its licensing system instead.

No doubt. The whole system needs a major overhaul IMO.

And I think that on major interstates where the current limit is 65-70, it should be raised to 75. I go about 80 most of the time, even in 65 zones, and so does a large portion of traffic. Smaller highways where the limit is 45, should be raised to 50.
 
Jun 14, 2003
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its 70 here, but you can easy get away with 85-90mph long as the traffics all flowing at roughly the same rate/speed and your not screaming down the outside lane at 120+ its all fine and dandy. i wouldnt wanna go any faster. (not that i can anyway top speed 104mph! :D)
 

KK

Lifer
Jan 2, 2001
15,903
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Originally posted by: Taggart
Do you guys that go 80 and up like wasting gas? You are killing your gas mileage going high 60's and up.

Yes, I like wasting gas, not my time. My time is more finite than the gas supply.
 

Ketteringo

Banned
Feb 2, 2002
4,302
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I have no problem doing 90, the only thing that bothers me is other people. The licensing requirements should be A LOT higher than what they are now. I know a lot of people that shouldn't be allowed to drive.
 

KrillBee

Golden Member
Nov 17, 2005
1,433
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Originally posted by: Baked
Everybody goes 75 right now. If you raise it to 75, people will just go 90. I'd say lower it back to 55 and hand out tickets like crazy. Speeding mofos.

55? I might as well walk.