Why do people speed?

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Jan 9, 2002
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Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Originally posted by: Match
NightFlyerGTI: You certainly have the right to your opinion that the speed limit is ludicrous, but what gives you the right to the right to break it?

Getting to my destination to accomplish more in my day, and my radar detector? It should be my taxpayer right.

<fans the flames>

radar detectors are illegal in VA.

I know. Virginians and D.C. folk are just screwed- not my fault. :D Petition your congressman.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
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Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
n0cmonkey: As far as I know, it's not against the law to overclock a cpu.

Ok, and if I get caught I pay the consequences. No tricking AMD/Intel into sending me a new processor, I suck it up and pay my fine. I protest a law I find moronic in a non-violent way. Whats wrong with that?

What's wrong with that is it increases the probability of death in an accident the faster you go.

Things that are more dangerous:
People not keeping up with the flow of traffic
Unsafe lane changes
Drunk driving
Driving while stoned
Driving while very tired
Wreckless/aggressive driving (I dont speed aggressively, I speed passively)

Yell at them, not at the people who are trying to drive safer, just faster.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
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Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
Originally posted by: Match
NightFlyerGTI: You certainly have the right to your opinion that the speed limit is ludicrous, but what gives you the right to the right to break it?

Getting to my destination to accomplish more in my day, and my radar detector? It should be my taxpayer right.

<fans the flames>

radar detectors are illegal in VA.

I know. Virginians and D.C. folk are just screwed- not my fault. :D Petition your congressman.

I have more important things to yell at them about. I know the most popular cop doughnut fest areas, so I know when to slow down a bit ;)
 

crawford

Golden Member
Jan 23, 2002
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I speed because well obviously you get there faster, but also because its a lot more fun. I love my car and I love driving fast, I dont know why but thats just the way it is. Nothing but putting cops on every corner could get me to stop. When im trying to waste time because im early for something, I drive the speed limit and it is boring as hell.
 

Match

Senior member
May 28, 2001
320
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Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
n0cmonkey: As far as I know, it's not against the law to overclock a cpu.

Ok, and if I get caught I pay the consequences. No tricking AMD/Intel into sending me a new processor, I suck it up and pay my fine. I protest a law I find moronic in a non-violent way. Whats wrong with that?

What's wrong with that is it increases the probability of death in an accident the faster you go.

Things that are more dangerous:
People not keeping up with the flow of traffic
Unsafe lane changes
Drunk driving
Driving while stoned
Driving while very tired
Wreckless/aggressive driving (I dont speed aggressively, I speed passively)

Yell at them, not at the people who are trying to drive safer, just faster.

Sorry, not trying to yell. But, even if you are a safe driver, there are a lot of people who aren't IMHO. Thus you can still get in an accident even if it's not your fault. You're still speeding, thus increasing the probability of death in an accident.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
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The design speed for interstate highways is 80 mph. The speed limit was supposed to increase from 70 mph to 80 mph sometime in the 1970's when the "cars of the future" arrived. Unfortunately the gas crisis arrived before the speed was upped and the speed limit was dropped down to 65 on interstates and 55 on back roads. (Used to be 65 on back roads.) Since I'm not exceeding the design speed for either the road or my car I fail to see any excessive danger. Speed is not the killer, uncontrolled driving is the killer. Motoring along at 75mph on an interstate in a controlled manner does not present undue risk to other drivers or myself.

ZV
 

Ladies Man

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
n0cmonkey: As far as I know, it's not against the law to overclock a cpu.

Ok, and if I get caught I pay the consequences. No tricking AMD/Intel into sending me a new processor, I suck it up and pay my fine. I protest a law I find moronic in a non-violent way. Whats wrong with that?

What's wrong with that is it increases the probability of death in an accident the faster you go.

Things that are more dangerous:
People not keeping up with the flow of traffic
Unsafe lane changes
Drunk driving
Driving while stoned
Driving while very tired
Wreckless/aggressive driving (I dont speed aggressively, I speed passively)

Yell at them, not at the people who are trying to drive safer, just faster.

Sorry, not trying to yell. But, even if you are a safe driver, there are a lot of people who aren't IMHO. Thus you can still get in an accident even if it's not your fault. You're still speeding, thus increasing the probability of death in an accident.



That's a risk i'm willing to take
 

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
6
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Originally posted by: Match
NightFlyerGTI: You certainly have the right to your opinion that the speed limit is ludicrous, but what gives you the right to the right to break it?

Are you serious? No one has to be given the "right" to speed. In America you can do whatever you want to do. If what you want to do is break a law, then you can get in trouble. Have you ever crossed a street in the middle instead of at a marked intersection?

You seem like someone who gets pissed because people drive above the speed limit. What gives you the right to say that I shouldn't?


Originally posted by: iamme
actually, the real answer is because people think they're invincible. They think that high speed, fatal car crashes only happens to other people.

Your "real reason" a terrible generalization. Everyone has their own reasons for speeding. Thinking that they're invincible may be a reason for some, but I'd bet that it's far from the majority.


<rant>
I'm tired of whiners saying that I shouldn't drive 80mph on my 70mph interstate. I can and I will. Just get out of the way if you're going slow and I'll pass you. No big deal. You are not the police. If the police catch me and wish to cite me then I can take my lumps. I have a modern car capable of such speeds easily, I have taken several defensive driving and aggressive driving classes, and I have excellent eyesight and reflexes. Driving fast does NOT kill people. Driving stupid is what kills people, and you can drive just as stupidly at 30mph as you can at 80mph.
</rant>

 

Legendary

Diamond Member
Jan 22, 2002
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Originally posted by: crawford
I speed because well obviously you get there faster, but also because its a lot more fun. I love my car and I love driving fast, I dont know why but thats just the way it is. Nothing but putting cops on every corner could get me to stop. When im trying to waste time because im early for something, I drive the speed limit and it is boring as hell.

Wow this was almost exactly what I was going to post.
 

Match

Senior member
May 28, 2001
320
0
0
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
The design speed for interstate highways is 80 mph. The speed limit was supposed to increase from 70 mph to 80 mph sometime in the 1970's when the "cars of the future" arrived. Unfortunately the gas crisis arrived before the speed was upped and the speed limit was dropped down to 65 on interstates and 55 on back roads. (Used to be 65 on back roads.) Since I'm not exceeding the design speed for either the road or my car I fail to see any excessive danger. Speed is not the killer, uncontrolled driving is the killer. Motoring along at 75mph on an interstate in a controlled manner does not present undue risk to other drivers or myself.

ZV

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. Why do you suppose it was never raised as planned (after the gas crisis) ?
 

mithrandir2001

Diamond Member
May 1, 2001
6,545
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Originally posted by: Daniel
you other people seem to have it easy, its 55 on my whole way to work, with 5 mile/hr ezpass lanes, ugh.
Ugh, ugh, ugh! Stupid EZ-Pass. 5mph through the toll boths is ludicrous. They've installed those "your speed is [x] mph" signs now at the booths and I'll never go below 8mph. I prefer 15-20mph, but then they'll send me those "YOU'RE DRIVING TOO FAST YOU DANGEROUS PERSON YOU" postcards in the mail.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
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Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
Originally posted by: Match
n0cmonkey: As far as I know, it's not against the law to overclock a cpu.

Ok, and if I get caught I pay the consequences. No tricking AMD/Intel into sending me a new processor, I suck it up and pay my fine. I protest a law I find moronic in a non-violent way. Whats wrong with that?

What's wrong with that is it increases the probability of death in an accident the faster you go.

Things that are more dangerous:
People not keeping up with the flow of traffic
Unsafe lane changes
Drunk driving
Driving while stoned
Driving while very tired
Wreckless/aggressive driving (I dont speed aggressively, I speed passively)

Yell at them, not at the people who are trying to drive safer, just faster.

Sorry, not trying to yell. But, even if you are a safe driver, there are a lot of people who aren't IMHO. Thus you can still get in an accident even if it's not your fault. You're still speeding, thus increasing the probability of death in an accident.

I didnt think you were yelling really, more of a figure of speech(?). Anyhow, I think the unsafe drivers, not necessarily the speeders, are the ones you should try and correct.
 

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
9,506
2
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Originally posted by: Match
n0cmonkey: As far as I know, it's not against the law to overclock a cpu.

I've never felt bad about speeding in an area with an artifically low speed limit. Towns' do it to make money, not always for someones safety. I can break that law and not feel too bad. Similarly you feel that the speed limit of say 65 on a local interstate at rush hour is safe when both lanes are packed with traffic, but if I do it at 5am with no traffic I'm a menace to society? How about the same highway and people doing 65 in heavy rain?

The speed limit doesn't change to accomidate traffic conditions, weather, or time of day. It'd be great if it did. It'd be great if all speed limits were just to keep us all safe. Since they don't though, I'll do a speed which I feel is appropriate at the time.

I think a much greater danger is the guy who insists on doing the speed limit or under it and is causing traffic to back up. I was behind a guy today doing 35 in a 55. It was a hilly area and I couldn't pass. Four miles down the road there were 15 cars behind him. If you can't do at least the speed limit and the conditions permit it, get on a slower road
 

MikeO

Diamond Member
Jan 17, 2001
3,026
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Because the limits are ridiculously low. I live in Finland and there's no much traffic on the roads, they're usually in good shape and everything. There's zero reasons why I should do the damn 50kmh (~31mph) when I could easily and without causing danger doing closer to 70kmh (~43mph), which actually is my normal driving speed. Limit + ~10mph.

Btw, I have never gotten into accident, nor have I ever been even close to getting into one because of my speeding. 5+ years on the road.
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
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Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
The design speed for interstate highways is 80 mph. The speed limit was supposed to increase from 70 mph to 80 mph sometime in the 1970's when the "cars of the future" arrived. Unfortunately the gas crisis arrived before the speed was upped and the speed limit was dropped down to 65 on interstates and 55 on back roads. (Used to be 65 on back roads.) Since I'm not exceeding the design speed for either the road or my car I fail to see any excessive danger. Speed is not the killer, uncontrolled driving is the killer. Motoring along at 75mph on an interstate in a controlled manner does not present undue risk to other drivers or myself.

ZV

Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. Why do you suppose it was never raised as planned (after the gas crisis) ?

You mean you want politicians to accomplish something worthwhile?
 

N8Magic

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
11,624
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I'll be honest and admit that I am chronically late for appointments, so that's generally why I speed.

I'll be honest again and mention that people who drive the speed limit annoy the sh!t out of me. (*ESPECIALLY* if you tend to hang out in the left hand lane and ignore everyone around you.)
 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
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I just wanted to mention (if it wasnt obvious already) that residential zones are totally different in my opinion. 25 aint so bad there...
 

bret

Platinum Member
Mar 14, 2001
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people speed because it is hard to get caught if you are an experienced speeder ?!:confused: lol anyway...

people get a little thrill by breaking the law even if it is something like speeding. passing a cop going 50 over and then slamming on your brakes to slow down passing a cop then not getting stopped sure does make your heart pound. it did to me, it was a rush....not that i speed or anything. :)



*no i am not telling you to try the rush, speed at your own risk, thankyou*
Bret
 

mithrandir2001

Diamond Member
May 1, 2001
6,545
1
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Originally posted by: Match
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
The design speed for interstate highways is 80 mph. The speed limit was supposed to increase from 70 mph to 80 mph sometime in the 1970's when the "cars of the future" arrived. Unfortunately the gas crisis arrived before the speed was upped and the speed limit was dropped down to 65 on interstates and 55 on back roads. (Used to be 65 on back roads.) Since I'm not exceeding the design speed for either the road or my car I fail to see any excessive danger. Speed is not the killer, uncontrolled driving is the killer. Motoring along at 75mph on an interstate in a controlled manner does not present undue risk to other drivers or myself.
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. Why do you suppose it was never raised as planned (after the gas crisis) ?
Two words. Safety Nazis.

They found evidence that SUGGESTED that dropping the speed limit reduced injury rates but they failed to consider that cars have improved dramatically since the early 1970s. Since the 55mph national speed limit has been repealed in what? 1987?, the injury rate overall hasn't increased; it has decreased, as should be expected.

I learned to drive in a 1978 Olds Cutlass stationwagon. You'd never want to take that thing up to 80mph. But no modern automobile (aside from the pitiful Metro) would have the same limitation.
 

rahvin

Elite Member
Oct 10, 1999
8,475
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Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
The design speed for interstate highways is 80 mph. The speed limit was supposed to increase from 70 mph to 80 mph sometime in the 1970's when the "cars of the future" arrived. Unfortunately the gas crisis arrived before the speed was upped and the speed limit was dropped down to 65 on interstates and 55 on back roads. (Used to be 65 on back roads.) Since I'm not exceeding the design speed for either the road or my car I fail to see any excessive danger. Speed is not the killer, uncontrolled driving is the killer. Motoring along at 75mph on an interstate in a controlled manner does not present undue risk to other drivers or myself.

ZV

Wow, alternate history eh? Not only don't you know the design speed of most highways you don't know what speed limits were 6 years ago. Let me guess, you started driving less than 6 years ago?

mithrandir2001,

You are wrong, and if you ask me nice I will show you how wrong you are.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
44
91
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. Why do you suppose it was never raised as planned (after the gas crisis) ?
Because the safety-nazi's got the idea that slower is safer. Actually though the statistics indicate otherwise. The biggest problems are caused by people who sit in the passing lane and such things, basically drivers who don't understand the rules of the road.

ZV
 

DougK62

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2001
8,035
6
81
Originally posted by: NightFlyerGTI
And I always drive with my brights on in the day.

Yikes. So you're one of THOSE people ;) In all seriousness, driving with your brights on in traffic can be pretty hazardous to other drivers. Ever glance at the sun and have it alter your sight a bit? The same can happen with car brights. They should really only be used at night and when no other cars are around. Personally, I think that even the low-power DRLs that many cars come with these days shouldn't be around. If you can't see a car in broad daylight unless it has lights on then you shouldn't be driving. The only vehicles on the road that should have lights on during the day are motorcycles - they're little and it makes them much more visible.

 

n0cmonkey

Elite Member
Jun 10, 2001
42,936
1
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Originally posted by: rahvin
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
The design speed for interstate highways is 80 mph. The speed limit was supposed to increase from 70 mph to 80 mph sometime in the 1970's when the "cars of the future" arrived. Unfortunately the gas crisis arrived before the speed was upped and the speed limit was dropped down to 65 on interstates and 55 on back roads. (Used to be 65 on back roads.) Since I'm not exceeding the design speed for either the road or my car I fail to see any excessive danger. Speed is not the killer, uncontrolled driving is the killer. Motoring along at 75mph on an interstate in a controlled manner does not present undue risk to other drivers or myself.

ZV

Wow, alternate history eh? Not only don't you know the design speed of most highways you don't know what speed limits were 6 years ago. Let me guess, you started driving less than 6 years ago?

Do you have better information? The speed limit was decreased to 55 because of gas shortage. It never went up to the limits it should be at. And we definitely know most highways are safe at speeds in excess of 70mph. How do we know this? Because politicians are skilled in the art of CYA. To cover their asses, they most likely took the safety reports of the time, lowered the speed by 25-30mph, and said it was final.
 

Match

Senior member
May 28, 2001
320
0
0
*reflexively ducking from small flames*

I agree that people moving slower than traffic shoud stay in the right lane.
I always go the speed limit unless
a. driving conditions prohibit it.
b. I'm in an unfamiliar area with heavy traffic and find it unsafe not to go with the flow of traffic.