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Re: The Federal Study that Finds Speed Limits Irrelevant...



Tom Glaab <tglaab@nooster.navy.mil> wrote:
>gregor@nrlfs1.nrl.navy.mil (Joe Gregor) wrote:
>>
>>    It all boils down to people operating vehicles in a manner for which they
>>lack the requisite skill and proficiency. You want to really address accidents,
>>institute meaningfull training and periodic, meaningfull, proficiency testing.
>
>I was listening to the NASCAR race this weekend on the radio... there was a
>15-car pileup at 200 mph, and everybody walked away from the accident.  So much
>for the "speed kills" argument.
>
>How can NASCAR drivers go bumper-to-bumper at 200mph without incident while Joe
>Driver can't handle 70 on the open road?  Training and alertness.  Getting a
>driver's license is a joke in America :-(
>

Think about the penalties over in Europe.  I know some of this is anecdotal,
but considre the following:

In many countries in Europe, I believe the average fee for a driver's livcense
is in excess of $500.  Far cry from $20 here in the US.

Training requirements are much higher as well in Europe from a license.  None
of this "Show up to Driver's Ed a couple times and never go back" stuff.

Many traffic infractions in the US that are worth ony a couple of "points" are
grounds for immediate revocation of license and driving priviledges.  (This is
a key point:  Driving is a PRIVILEDGE, not a RIGHT)

Driving without a license is subject for immediate impoundment of the vehicle
for a minimum of 90 days, or in some cases forfeiture, and criminal charges,
including prison terms.

In Turkey, I believe, killing another person in a drunk driving accident is
nothing less than first degree murder,and is subject to the death penalty.  

Conbversely,traffic may seem "insane" in some places (no speed limits on the
Autobahn, sudden traffic movements in London and Paris), the general driving
safety is much higher.

And you can see that in the United States, too.  This NASCAR example.

Think about it.

-Corey



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