[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
Re: Unfair speed limits
Eric Bin (ebin@malibu.sfu.ca) wrote:
: A large number of experts believe that the biggest cause of accidents
: on the highways is speed differential. For example, a Trabant leaps
: into the left lane to pass but he's passing at 70mph while you in your
: shiny new NSX are closing in a 140mph. Your risk of an accident is
: very high in this case.
I agree that speed differential is a concern; but, the *MAIN*
cause of accidents is driver inattention and/or incompetence.
Speed differentials on the German autobahns are *ENORMOUS* --
closing speeds of well over 100 mph are commonplace; yet, the
accident rates are lower than on US interstates. No, I'm *not*
suggesting that speed limits should be abolished in the US --
at least not any time soon. US driver-training (and attitude!)
would need to be vastly improved before that would be practical.
: Everyone should travel at the same sppeed for maximum safety.
For *MAXIMUM* safety, automobiles should be totally abolished;
that's *almost* as practical as insisting that everyone drive
at the same speed. There are lots of *excellent* drivers who
wisely choose to go slower than "the flow" of traffic -- maybe
because of advancing age... or an older car... or a 3000 lb
sailboat back there on the trailer.
...why outlaw common sense?
Mark
Follow-Ups:
References: