Student's reports on the Speed Limit Debate
Shane Cobb-Adams makes a very interesting report on the speed limit debate. He dis extensive research on different web sites that discuss this controversial issue. I really agree with him about having to do more research into this issue, because different rules work for different people and places. I also like what he says about the speed limit being created to conserve gas and oil resources.
Shelly Secretario's report on speeding is really short. I really disagree with her on her concept of speeding. She believes that rules are made to be broken and supports the idea that speed limits were set intentially low as a way to give out more tickets and collect more money for the government. I do agree with her that speeding does decrease reaction time, and therefore increasing the danger. I also disagree with her about making traffic psychology a requirement in the liscence renewal process. One reason is that she makes it sound so simple, as if it could just be done at the snap of one's fingers. Also she mentions that if everyone could successfully complete a driving makeover, then the roads would be safer. This would be ideal, but I also think that it isn't practical.
Sandra Scarbrough's report on speeding is also really short, but she has some really good references to different web sites that support her position. I agree with her that people do speed, because the speed limit are too low, and also to keep up with the flow of traffic. I'm not sure if I agre with her totally about speeding being safe if a driver is being cautious. It almost sounds like an oxymoron. I guess it would be safer to say if people were more educated about speeding and its dangers, then it would be better.
I really feel very similar to that of Sandra, the previous student above. Speeding can be done in a safer manner. The speed limits are a little low, and sometimes can be more of a hazard than a safety precaution. I do speed, and find myself doing so to keep up with the rest of traffic. The norm is to break the speed limit. There are some exceptions. I really feel that in certain areas, such as dangerous curvey roads, school zones, and narrow roadways the speed limit serves a good use. It slows people down in areas where they could easily lose control of their car or maybe hit a child crossing the street. Speed limits need more consideration. I'm not saying that all speed limits in all areas should be changed. There are areas that I consider to be safer areas for going faster. There are so many implications with the term speeding. There is moderate speeding where one drives an average of about 10-15mph over the posted speed limit, and there are the excessive speeders that go 15+ mph over the posted speed limit. I am a moderate speeder, and feel that speed limits are good, but they need to be modified.
My behavior is very consistent with my attitude. I believe that the speed limit should be higher, and I speed about 10-15mph above the speed limit some times. In areas that I feel need more cautious driving, I do obey the speed limit, because in those areas, I feel it is warrented. And so, I believe that in certain areas, it is okay to speed, and the limit should be modified, and in other areas, it isn't okay and the limit should remain the same.
The Speed Related Arguement Database is a good site that really supports my theory behind speeding and the speed limit. I really agree with what it has to say about speeding is just keeping up with traffic. They also point out that sometimes people speed, because the lack of traffic. I also agree that most driver probably do not check their spedometer unless a cop is around. I also found it quite interesting about the research that has been done with Montana taking away their speed limits with an average increase of only 2 mph more than what they were driving before.
The Speed Related Arguement Database page is posted by Reasonable Drivers Unananimous. Their goal is to revise traffic laws into more reasonable ones desigend by traffic engineers and not bureaucrats. I really enjoyed this page, because I have to agree with a lot of what they say here. They are fights the laws for teh better of the people. They are not fighting the laws to make a mockery of the system, nor to be irritating rebels. They have a real cause and concern for traffic safety and the laws that enhance or inhibit it. This site is a definite plus. It doesn't just talk about one side of the story, it presents both sides, and then shows why it makes more sense to change certain traffic laws, not just the speed limit. I also like it, because researched information is also presented. They have hard evidence to support their stance. This site is definitely for the people. A must read!
This next site called the Speedtrap Registry was not as appealing to me. I found that this site was actually a little offensive. It is run by the National Motorist Association. This site is exactly what it sounds like. People can come here to read about their area, and where speedtraps exist. This site also allows people to add more speed trap information. The site clearly states that they are not trying to "undermine the efforts" of police officers and law enforcement officials, but to help educate people. I'm not sure how constructive or destructive this site is, but there is an air of anger that comes from this site. It appears that the only goal of this site is to help people get out of traffic and speeding tickets. My feeling is that this site is fighting the system. It poses no solutions to what the system can do to change and better itself. Itstead it continues to bash and complain and whine about the system that is out to get you. One thing that I did find useful is that if you ever feel like you truely have been wrongly issued a ticket, go to this site and fight it.
My position still does not change. I am more educated, but this has been an issue discussed in class a number of times. I strongly believe that in certain areas the speed limit is too low, and that it should be modified. On the other hand, I also feel that there are certain areas that should remain the same for safety reasons. Please go back and read my position above. I am sticking to it.
My advice for the furture generations doing this report is to take your time. There are a lot of different web sites on speeding. You can find a lot that suport or conflict with your point of view for speeding. Look at both sides, because you may learn something that you never knew about before.
The speed limit debate is not an easy issue to discuss. There are many pro's and con's to each side of the story. Each state is very different. The people, environment, weather, and traffic vary within each state. All these factors have to be considered before making a decision. Therefore what may be good for one state may not be good for another.
Also remmeber that you are biased by
the type of driver that you are. If you like to drive fast, then
you may want to have no speed limits. However, one must analyze what
will be best for all types of drivers. To make a decision based on
one's own needs would be foolish and selfish.
I have learned a lot from this report. I thought that the speeding issue was a black and white thing, but I was very mistaken. I feel that the speeding issue is a very sensitive subject that has no right or wrong answer to it. There has to be more research conducted in order for anything to change. Hawaii is not like Montana in terms of geography and types of people and drivers. We could implement the same successful law that Montana did and have total failure. Speeding is not a matter of tickets, or going faster than what is posted on the sign. It's about safety. My thought about speeding have definitely changed. I am more educated about the different issues surrounding this issue. However, as far as my behavior is concerned, I have have not stopped speeding about 10-15 mph over the limit on occasion.
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