Carolyn Agmata G11 Psy 409a, Report 2: Speed Limit

speed limit:
when do we cross the line?

by: Carolyn G. Agmata
Psy 409a, G11

Table of Contents

Prior G's	My Position	Web Sites	Pro's & Con's
Where I Stand	Deja News	Future G's	Epilogue

Prior Generations
Raeder Kinney shared a terrible story about speeding. Unfortunately his uncle was part of it and passed away due to someone colliding into him going 60 in a 15 mph. He feels "something needs to be done to make drivers realize the dangers of speeding and the dire consequences that may result". He says that speeding is an example of road rage and that we mustn't ignore the laws regarding the speed limit. Mr. Kinney confesses to speeding, but goes on to say that there's no point in driving fast.
I totally agree with Raeder. Laws are made to put in effect the benefits and safetyness of our society. If the regulators didn't care for us, such rules wouldn't be pushed nor would speed limits be posted.

Kyle Kaneshiro thinks that "speed limits should be rated according to traffic flow". He says that freeways are rated too slow and that endangerment is not only due to speeding. He doesn't agree with the speed limits in certain areas, but he believes that "following the speed limit at all times is important and is part of being a responsible road user". He's very sure that he's courteous on the road for other drivers and that his behavior is consistent when driving. Mr. Kaneshiro concludes that no matter what, the speed limit should be followed because if not then it's considered breaking the law.
Yes, following the speed limit and all the rules in driving is definitely being a responsible driver. I agree with Kyle in that we should always follow the speed limit.

Carlene Yee feels that speeding can be done in a safe manner. She says that "the speed limits are a little slow, and sometimes can be more of a hazard than a safety precaution". She admits to speeding and finds herself doing so in order to keep up with the rest of the traffic. On the other hand, she feels that there are some exceptions such as dangerous curvy roads, school zones, and narrow roadways. Ms. Yee considers herself as a "moderate speeder", one who goes over the speed limit 10-15 mph and believes that the speed limit should be higher.
Speeding is speeding and I really can't figure out how it could be done in a safe manner. It may just be too late to slow down if so happens something gets in the way. You may blame that, but it's also the speed factor that you have to consider because if you were going at the posted speed limit, you'll have time to react and break.

My Position About Speeding
    I think that speed limits are a good thing to have. Of course that are pro's and con's to it, but in the long run safetyness is what's best for everyone. Don't get me wrong, I could be a sucker for driving over the speed limit maybe 5-10 miles, but after that I gradually slow down because I can feel that I'm speeding especially because I'm passing the drivers on the right and left hand side.
    Speed limits at certain areas could be a little adjusted as long a s people follow them and not endanger anyone in any way as in "racing". One example is when a me and a bunch of friends were coming home from drinking at "Campbell's". In one car, my boyfriend was the driver and in the other our friend drove. They thought it would be fun to race because there were no cars ahead of us. And that they did, breaking 100 mph. It was freaky! I couldn't stand it so I screamed to the top of my lungs. It was at that point my boyfriend realized it was stupid and backed off. We were very lucky because we could've skid. That night the roads were wet. Thank God nobody got hurt. (Except for me who cried the rest of the way home)
    Speeding is very dangerous, on slippery or dry roads. You never know what can happen whether it be slamming into another car, a pedestrian, a light pole, or even a house. Believe me they all occurred in real life. Here in Hawaii, there's not enough distance to travel like in the mainland so probably 65 miles per hour is reasonable on highways compared to doing 75 as in California. Going slower than stated is however a problem because it slows other drivers down who'll eventually end up weaving in and out of the lanes just to avoid such slow driving people.
    Bottom line is obey the laws and FOLLOW THE SPEED LIMIT! I strongly feel that speed limits should be followed. My behavior as a driver is a bit more modified ever since I took Dr. James' Traffic Psychology class last year. I know that behind the wheel I have the power, therefore it's only up to me to be aware of my attitude and also cautious towards other drivers.

Web Sites Relating to Speed
Speeding car slams into Detroit school bus carrying 55 children
This story was written by Charles Hurt and Wayne Woolley of the Detroit News. It said that an ex-convict was going triple the speed limit. His car crashed into a school bus and burst into flames. It wouldn't have happened if he wasn't driving fast and recklessly.

Speeding: Traffic Safety Facts 1996
This site defines speeding as "exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions and is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes". According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the cost of speeding-related crashes estimates to be $28.8 billion a year. Approximately 13,000 lives were lost in these accidents. They have the same trail of thought as myself in that "speeding reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation".

Tips on Speeding in the USA
This page is written by a fellow name Matthew Hennessy who gives "tips" about speeding. In my opinion, I think some of them are too idealistic. Just because he hasn't been caught doesn't mean he's a pro.

Pro's and Con's about Speeding
PRO: Arguments that speeding is breaking the law and it kills
http://www.trafficidiots.com/rulesoftheroad.htm
"When you are on the on ramp to a major highway you must make your vehicle accelerate
as fast as it can until you reach the speed limit. After that is you're choice weather you chose to break the law by exceeding the speed limit or not."

http://www.stvincent.ac.uk/Resources/Physics/Speed/road/limits.html
"Speed limits on our roads are intended to encourage safer driving - by restricting the maximum permitted speed."

http://www.nrma.com.au/motoring/features/lowerspeeds.html
"Overseas experience indicates that a reduction in speed limits can provide considerable savings to the community in terms of fewer crashes and casualties."

CON: Arguments to get rid of or boost up speed limits because it is safe
http://www.progress.org/archive/fold40.htm
Fred E. Foldvary states that there are other options to make roads safe besides lowering the speed limit. He says eliminate them, but have every driver be competent and considerate.

http://cartalk.cars.com/Mail/Letters/09-13/3.html
In USA Today, it was reviewed that there is no link for higher speeds and traffic deaths. It reported that in 27 states, increased speed is an unclear factor in motor vehicle crashes.

http://www.junkscience.com/nov98/peters2.htm
Eric Peters writes that "driving 65 (or 75) will not automatically increase the odds of you having an accident. He argues that people who insist that raising speed limits from one arbitrary number to another will somehow make highways less safe and cause more accidents are simply mistaken.

Where I Stand On This Issue
I still have the same beliefs as how I felt earlier. We may get carried away sometimes but don't make speeding a habit. Although some of us feels that the speed limits should be increased, we have to look at safety precautions. Law enforcers post such speed limits because they feel that it's proper for that area in addition to the weather and road conditions. Surely, speeding could get you to your destination quicker and in a shorter amount of time, but wouldn't you rather get there safely than not at all? (knock on wood!)

DejaNews

Re: Stupid drivers
Author:

Mark Hurst <mark@memcomputers.co.uk>
Date:

1999/04/20
Forum:

uk.rec.cars.4x4