Originally posted by: ohtwell
I wonder how many people are actually going to fall for your crap. More than likely this is just an attempt to get people riled up. :roll:
I guess I'm one!
: ) Amanda
I really do go over 100mph daily, well on the weekday. I commute to school and I go home at around 11pm, it is a 40 mile drive to my house, and when I go home few people on the freeway. I have never seen a cop on my way home. If it sounded like I was saying I drove over 100mph on a daily basis for the last 5 years, then no I didn't. I didn't start driving like this untill I started to commute to school last year. I use to drive very slow.
Nothing wrong is with the current speed limits. It's the inconsiderate drivers out in the road that are the problem. If we could get rid of the idiots drivers who clog up the passing lane and the late lane/off ramp changers, us more aggressive drivers would have a clearer path and not need to weave in and out of traffic. Instead, we have 2 or 3 people who decide to pace each other in adjacent lanes causing a huge backlog behind them.
I have lived in and driven in germany and for the most part it works pretty well although the big difference is when you do get an idiot in an accident it is a really big accident. The other thing is that travelling at that speed tends to keep you focused more so than when crawling along.
When you guys say the speed limit is 70 do you mean KPH or MPH?
When you guys say the speed limit is 70 do you mean KPH or MPH?
I just wish there were some kind of standardization... there's one road that I take to work that stretches through 6 towns. the road is the same the whole way through -- no residential buildings, and a handful of businesses on the side of the road. but the speed limit varies from town to town, going from a high of 45 mph to a low of 15 mph :Q
i'd say 80 MPH is signifigantly below the flow of traffic on many interstates, so it would be a good place to start. honestly though, i think it should just be a safe and sane law. if you do 100 MPH in heavy traffic, you're busted. if you do it on the open road on a freeway, no problem. i've done a bit of research into the speed limit issue and when the limit was raised from 55 to 65, there was almost NO change in traffic speeds. people ALREADY drive as fast as they are comfortable for the most part. raising the speed limits again would simply keep a larger proportion of americans from being criminals for doing what they and the vast majority do every single day.
here's some facts, which i compiled myself, from a variety of public agency reports, periodical, and journal sources. These are not "website facts" or something I copied from some wanna-be know-it-all:
--- when the limit was raised from 55 to 65 MPH, fatalities per mile driven DROPPED over 4% -NHTSA
--- since 1995, when the 55 limit was dropped from non-interstates, fatalities have dropped ~ 20% - NHTSA
--- when montanta dropped their speed limit, a 20-year veteran of the Montana Highway Patrol was quoted: "People are certainly driving faster, but accidents have not increased significantly and seatbelt usage is up."
--- The Institue of Transportation Engineers say that 75 MPH is APPRECIABLY LOWER than the rated safe speeds for interstates, which were conceived with speeds comparable to those of European autobauns when they were built.
--- Consumers Research Magazine has reported that per mile driven, you are 300% more likely to die at 35 MPH than 85 MPH. clearly just the addition of driveways and intersections at 35 MPH makes driving far more dangerous than cruising at 85 MPH. remember the accident has to be pretty freaking bad to die at 35 MPH.
--- a Department of Transportation study said, "Raising speed limits by 5, 10, 15, or 20 mph? had a minor effect on vehicle speeds."
--- According to a 1990 National Research Council report, 70.2% of observed traffic is in technical violation of the posted speed limit.
--- The Department of Transportation claims to set limits to the 85th percentile speed, but DOT also admits that they do not update these speeds regularly. In the words of a DOT study: "It is apparent that the majority of highway agencies set speed limits below the average speed of traffic as opposed to setting limits in? the 85th percentile speed. This practice means that more than one-half of the motorists are in technical violation of the speed limit laws."
--- An Institute of Transportation Engineers report explains, "?speed limits which are set artificially low tend to be ignored and misallocate resources, apprehending and prosecuting motorists driving at safe speeds.
--- One study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that accident rates increased as speed variance increased. It also found that speed variance decreased as average traffic speeds increased-the faster the traffic stream the lower the accident rate
i am in favor of a huge increase in the difficulty of the driving exams, and i'm also for mandatory re-testing every 5 years. i am not in favor of huge fees to get your licence. driving should not be a privledge only for the rich, but rather for those who show they have some command of their vehicle and know the laws.
here's some facts, which i compiled myself, from a variety of public agency reports, periodical, and journal sources. These are not "website facts" or something I copied from some wanna-be know-it-all:
--- when the limit was raised from 55 to 65 MPH, fatalities per mile driven DROPPED over 4% -NHTSA
--- since 1995, when the 55 limit was dropped from non-interstates, fatalities have dropped ~ 20% - NHTSA
--- when montanta dropped their speed limit, a 20-year veteran of the Montana Highway Patrol was quoted: "People are certainly driving faster, but accidents have not increased significantly and seatbelt usage is up."
--- The Institue of Transportation Engineers say that 75 MPH is APPRECIABLY LOWER than the rated safe speeds for interstates, which were conceived with speeds comparable to those of European autobauns when they were built.
--- Consumers Research Magazine has reported that per mile driven, you are 300% more likely to die at 35 MPH than 85 MPH. clearly just the addition of driveways and intersections at 35 MPH makes driving far more dangerous than cruising at 85 MPH. remember the accident has to be pretty freaking bad to die at 35 MPH.
--- a Department of Transportation study said, "Raising speed limits by 5, 10, 15, or 20 mph? had a minor effect on vehicle speeds."
--- According to a 1990 National Research Council report, 70.2% of observed traffic is in technical violation of the posted speed limit.
--- The Department of Transportation claims to set limits to the 85th percentile speed, but DOT also admits that they do not update these speeds regularly. In the words of a DOT study: "It is apparent that the majority of highway agencies set speed limits below the average speed of traffic as opposed to setting limits in? the 85th percentile speed. This practice means that more than one-half of the motorists are in technical violation of the speed limit laws."
--- An Institute of Transportation Engineers report explains, "?speed limits which are set artificially low tend to be ignored and misallocate resources, apprehending and prosecuting motorists driving at safe speeds.
--- One study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that accident rates increased as speed variance increased. It also found that speed variance decreased as average traffic speeds increased-the faster the traffic stream the lower the accident rate
i am in favor of a huge increase in the difficulty of the driving exams, and i'm also for mandatory re-testing every 5 years. i am not in favor of huge fees to get your licence. driving should not be a privledge only for the rich, but rather for those who show they have some command of their vehicle and know the laws.
SithSolo1
Diamond Member
- Mar 19, 2001
- 7,740
- 11
- 81
I totally agree with thomasbrain.
I think speeds should be increased and possibly eliminated for interstates. I think our testing should mimic that of Germany?s and that we should be tested on a regular basis. People tend to drive however fast they feel safe with regardless for the speed limit anyway so why even have it? I do think that in populated areas limits should be in place because of the stop/go traffic flow and increase pedestrian presence.
Like people say, "It's a privilege not a guarantee."
I'm not saying it should be that much or only for the weathy but I think most parents would think twice before giving their children cars if they had to shell out an additional grand just to get them in the driver's seat.
I think speeds should be increased and possibly eliminated for interstates. I think our testing should mimic that of Germany?s and that we should be tested on a regular basis. People tend to drive however fast they feel safe with regardless for the speed limit anyway so why even have it? I do think that in populated areas limits should be in place because of the stop/go traffic flow and increase pedestrian presence.
Like people say, "It's a privilege not a guarantee."
I'm not saying it should be that much or only for the weathy but I think most parents would think twice before giving their children cars if they had to shell out an additional grand just to get them in the driver's seat.
TheLonelyPhoenix
Diamond Member
- Feb 15, 2004
- 5,594
- 1
- 0
Eliminating speed limits comes with its own problems. On the German autobahn, they have all kinds of laws and enforcement policies/practices we don't have here... its not like a 16 year old kid can jump in his mom's Civic and take off at 100 MPH, tailgating and cutting people off the whole way. The roads themselves are also far different from the kind we have in the States... good visibility around corners and very well maintained. Even the drivers have different mentalities; much more alert and focused than your typical American driver. Statistically, they do have far few accidents, but there are good reasons for that beyond the lack of a speed limit. I can think of quite a few people I wouldn't trust with a 1-2 ton machine at more than 65 mph, and some of them not even that fast.
If we got our act together and had better designed/paved/maintained roads, put in some serious enforcement standards for driving violations other than speeding (at the moment, its nearly impossible to prove if you were being tailgated, cut off at high speed, etc), and worked out some sort of licensing system that would prevent your typical teenage driver from flying around the corners out of control, then I'd support the raising/abolishment of speed limits. However, the way things are right now, they are definitely necessary.
If we got our act together and had better designed/paved/maintained roads, put in some serious enforcement standards for driving violations other than speeding (at the moment, its nearly impossible to prove if you were being tailgated, cut off at high speed, etc), and worked out some sort of licensing system that would prevent your typical teenage driver from flying around the corners out of control, then I'd support the raising/abolishment of speed limits. However, the way things are right now, they are definitely necessary.
Vic
Elite Member
- Jun 12, 2001
- 50,422
- 14,337
- 136
Sounds great. Most drivers in America can't drive better than a drunk driver, but (to add insult to injury) arrogantly believe they're better than an F1 driver.
I believe in the "Basic Speed Rule", which simply requires the driver to operate at a safe and reasonable speed depending on conditions.
BentValve
Diamond Member
- Dec 26, 2001
- 4,190
- 0
- 0
I think there should be an extreme driving test available for motorcycle riders and a few automobiles
drivers, there should be a small list of unmodifed late model cars that are allowed to be driven at
high speeds. The motorcyle would have to be a late model as well...say under 5 years and over a certain CC.
The extreme licence should only be available to those between the ages of 25 and 60.
If you get in any accident that is proven to be your fault then you should automatically lose your licence and be banned from every getting it again or at least face a 2 year forced break, and be required to re-take the test.
Lastly I think Motorcycles should be the easiest to get approved for and cars the hardest.
The limit...
180mph for bikes and 110 for cars..BUT it has to be done in certain cirucumstances .ex. no traffic, or poor weather conditions.
drivers, there should be a small list of unmodifed late model cars that are allowed to be driven at
high speeds. The motorcyle would have to be a late model as well...say under 5 years and over a certain CC.
The extreme licence should only be available to those between the ages of 25 and 60.
If you get in any accident that is proven to be your fault then you should automatically lose your licence and be banned from every getting it again or at least face a 2 year forced break, and be required to re-take the test.
Lastly I think Motorcycles should be the easiest to get approved for and cars the hardest.
The limit...
180mph for bikes and 110 for cars..BUT it has to be done in certain cirucumstances .ex. no traffic, or poor weather conditions.
LtPage1
Diamond Member
- Jan 15, 2004
- 6,311
- 2
- 0
yeah, but america is full of americans, which is a definite negative. we have a hell of a lot more idiots.
i think it should go by what kind of car youre driving- suvs have to go 50, pickups have to go 40, and then up from there- if youre driving an enzo, go ahead and go 210. fine by me.
mugs
Lifer
- Apr 29, 2003
- 48,920
- 46
- 91
Maybe in California, but I've spent a lot of time driving on Interstates in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana, and when I'm going 75 I'm usually passing people (except in WV where they have 70 mph speed limits).
When you consider this:
plus this:
There must be something else causing the substantial drop in fatalities. I'm guessing the safety of cars has improved.
I agree with you on the "safe and sane" idea though.
Vic
Elite Member
- Jun 12, 2001
- 50,422
- 14,337
- 136
The biggest lie told to the public about speed limits is that, whatever the speed limit is, drivers will always go slightly faster. This is complete bullsh!t and police and transportation authorities know it. The reality is that overwhelming majority of drivers always drive only as fast they feel comfortable driving, speed limit nonwithstanding, except for a very small minority of drivers who are comfortable driving much faster than the posted limit, and so the limit does slow them a bit.
When limits are raised, only a small minority of drivers speed up. The rest keep going the same speed they did before. FAR more dangerous than the driver doing 5-10 over (who always gets the big ticket) are the left lane blockers (who create dangerous congestion), those who aren't properly paying attention to the road (i.e. cell phone abusers), and those who don't properly signal their intentions to other drivers (i.e. don't use their turn signals, which seems to almost everyone nowadays). And though all 3 of those infractions are ticketable in every state in the country, the police (who are obsessed with speeding revenue) almost never ticket drivers for them.
When limits are raised, only a small minority of drivers speed up. The rest keep going the same speed they did before. FAR more dangerous than the driver doing 5-10 over (who always gets the big ticket) are the left lane blockers (who create dangerous congestion), those who aren't properly paying attention to the road (i.e. cell phone abusers), and those who don't properly signal their intentions to other drivers (i.e. don't use their turn signals, which seems to almost everyone nowadays). And though all 3 of those infractions are ticketable in every state in the country, the police (who are obsessed with speeding revenue) almost never ticket drivers for them.
Freejack2
Diamond Member
- Dec 31, 2000
- 7,751
- 8
- 91
I think it should be based on travel density. I'll use the example of the NY Thruway and the Mass pike.
Thruway:
Pa Border to Buffalo exit 55: 85mph (light to medium traffic)
Buffalo 55 to 50: 70 (medium to very heavy traffic)
Buffalo 50 to 25a (I-88): 85 (light to medium traffic)
25a to 23: 70mph (medium to heavy traffic)
23 to 15 (rt 17nj): 80 (medium to somewhat heavy traffic)
15 to nyc - 65 (heavy to very heavy traffic)
Mass pike:
NYS thruway berkshire spur to exit 9 (I-84): 90mph (very light to light traffic)
9 to 15: 80mph (medium to somewhat heavy traffic)
15 to downtown Boston: 65mph (heavy to very heavy traffic)
Mind you this is all moot. Many trucks are governed to 65 mph and in anything but light traffic cars running around at 20-25mph faster than trucks is downright dangerous. Speed doesn't kill so much as speed differences do.
All trucks would have to governed to 90mph and the roads would have to be able to handle trucks doing the posted speed limit. My car could do 90 just fine on the Berkshire section of the mass pike but could an 18 wheeler do that safely? I don't think an 18 wheeler could safely do more than 75mph in the Berkshires.
Also the cost of driving would go up as vehicles would need the tires, brakes, handling, etc to handle 90mph. Not to mention the increased fuel cost. Do you want Joe blow driving his huge Suv at 90mph which only got 17mpg at 55 and probably gets 9mpg at 90mph?
Thruway:
Pa Border to Buffalo exit 55: 85mph (light to medium traffic)
Buffalo 55 to 50: 70 (medium to very heavy traffic)
Buffalo 50 to 25a (I-88): 85 (light to medium traffic)
25a to 23: 70mph (medium to heavy traffic)
23 to 15 (rt 17nj): 80 (medium to somewhat heavy traffic)
15 to nyc - 65 (heavy to very heavy traffic)
Mass pike:
NYS thruway berkshire spur to exit 9 (I-84): 90mph (very light to light traffic)
9 to 15: 80mph (medium to somewhat heavy traffic)
15 to downtown Boston: 65mph (heavy to very heavy traffic)
Mind you this is all moot. Many trucks are governed to 65 mph and in anything but light traffic cars running around at 20-25mph faster than trucks is downright dangerous. Speed doesn't kill so much as speed differences do.
All trucks would have to governed to 90mph and the roads would have to be able to handle trucks doing the posted speed limit. My car could do 90 just fine on the Berkshire section of the mass pike but could an 18 wheeler do that safely? I don't think an 18 wheeler could safely do more than 75mph in the Berkshires.
Also the cost of driving would go up as vehicles would need the tires, brakes, handling, etc to handle 90mph. Not to mention the increased fuel cost. Do you want Joe blow driving his huge Suv at 90mph which only got 17mpg at 55 and probably gets 9mpg at 90mph?
75 is a good speed limit. If we make it harder for stupid people to get a driver permit, we would have more stupid people driving without a permit. It just like underage drinking, even it's not legal, people just still do it.
How about we make it 85 or maybe 90 on really open roads. Now here is the major part:
MAKE IT AN ACTUAL LIMIT!
So basically if you're 5 over, you get a ticket immediatly. Make it an actual limit, and people will follow it. However that could mean less revenue for cops, so there goes that. I would definitely be comfortable with that.
MAKE IT AN ACTUAL LIMIT!
So basically if you're 5 over, you get a ticket immediatly. Make it an actual limit, and people will follow it. However that could mean less revenue for cops, so there goes that. I would definitely be comfortable with that.
squirrel dog
Diamond Member
- Oct 10, 1999
- 5,564
- 48
- 91
The interstate sytem should have been built with trucking lanes in the median or where ever . The prob. with an autoban solution for us I feel is the large trucks . Dont get me wrong , they are the pro drivers by and large , its the cars that get between them usually causing the wrecks.How fast? 85 or 90 mph at least . That whats going on now all over . But say this with the present highways ... hell in Louisiana 55 is too fast on some state hwys .
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