Man says Speeders shouldn't dictate the speed limit

[StlouisX50]

I agree with this story, what our states department of transportation is doing is just stupid.

See the story of this mans view here - http://www.nctimes.com/news/opinion/...tml?mode=story

[kpatz]

He has a point, but it's not the "speeders" that are dictating the speed limit. It's the 85th percentile speed of the roadway that should be what determines the speed limit.

The majority of speeders are only speeders because the limits are set too low. Studies have shown time and time again that changing the PSL of a roadway has almost no effect on the actual speed of traffic. If the 85th percentile speed of a stretch of roadway is 45, it'll continue to be 45 even if you post a 35 MPH limit, or a 55 MPH limit.

[StlouisX50]

True True KPATZ. But like I have said before. How can you even check the 85th percentile when police are out during the study? If people have been ticketed before and choose never to go over the limit again, it skews the study. It's not a free for all to go any speed they want. So how exactly does this whole thing really work?

[lugnuts]

your right Stlouis. the 85th percentile numbers are not accurate at all those #'s are based on the fact that people will only drive so much over the speed limit.

for residential streets I think speeds need to be kept low because of pedestrians, kids, dogs and what not. but for main roads they should be based on road design, condition and traffic flow. for highways they should be raised to a level just above what most WOULD drive at if we removed the artificially low US highway speed limits.

most modern cars can perform fine at speeds of 80-100mph and many can do just fine well above those speeds. if we implemented tougher driving requirements for new drivers and periodic retraining refresher courses for existing drivers I think we could improve driver skill and lower traffic accidents and deaths and it would not be too difficult to do.

just today while making a left turn at an intersection with multiple left turn lanes a lady crossed into my lane (had those turn lane dashed lines) as she did I honked at her because she almost hit me. what does she do? honk back like I was the one who screwed up. lol.

remember speeding DOES NOT kill BAD/inexperienced drivers kill. just like guns don't kill people kill.

[supercowpowers]

This man says local "concerned citizens"* should not dictate dictate the speed limit in defiance of what's actually safe and reasonable.

*read: bored old ladies who probably only drive to church and bingo and never exceed 30 MPH.

[lugnuts]

double post.

[corkguykev]

If the speed limit on a road is so low that most people exceed it but there are no accidents because of this, then it should be raised. Unfortunately, with the need for revenue at an all time high, that's not going to happen in many places .

[Oyusan]

I believe in driving a speed that is reasonable and safe. If an experienced driver with a car in great condition is doing 100+, conditions might be safe enough. I think a lot of the people here on these forums are responsible and safe - even with lead foots. Problem I have recently learned: A lot of people are $hitty drivers and they drive with their head up their @$$ while talking on the cell phone or day dreaming. Part of driving conditions are the idiot drivers we are surrounded by. Yeah I speed all the time, but I do my best to do so safely. In my opinion, the faster I go, the better I drive. I notice that I focus more and pay 10x attention.

A lot of factors to consider:
Road Conditions
Driver Condition (self)
Other Drivers Condition (cell phones, drunk, blonde, etc.)
Vehicle Condition
Weather Condition
Distractions (food, people in the car, bluetooth)

The one thing I don't factor in:
The Speed Limit Sign