Speed Kills?
Brandon Reeves
English 1010-001
Speed Kills? They use the slogan “SPEED KILLS” to brainwash the American public into conformity with the insanely-low speed limits that benefit the insurance companies, local governments, and all others who profit from them. The arguments that are used to support this ideal are based upon faulty, self-serving, and biased science. Speed does kill, but only if the vehicle runs into something. The speed limit is set deliberately 10-15 mph below the average driving speed on urban highways and interstates instead of the average speed of normal traffic flow. Most drivers drive at a speed that is comfortable for the conditions and rarely pay attention to the speedometer. With speed limits irrelevant in everyday driving while posted limits exist, they should be increased to account for actual driving behavior, technological innovation or removed altogether. The definition of “speed related” accidents, according to the Department of Transportation include improper lane changes, following too closely, unsafe passing, inattention, reckless driving, high speed chase, erratic speeds, driving less than posted minimums, and driving too fast for conditions (not necessarily above the speed limit). This definition alone proves that speed is being used as a “scapegoat” for the cause of many accidents that were not caused by excessive speed. While taking some weight off of the speeders, it does bring to attention the need for increased attention and more appropriate driving habits. Policing of highways by radar has contributed to the same statistics of fatal crashes used to rationalize these insufficient speed limits. Drivers surprised by the sight of the almost camouflaged police unit, are common causes of highway tragedies for instantly cramming on their brakes, to avoid getting a speeding ticket. With traffic usually traveling in groups, the comfortable following distance is reduced by each reaction to this sudden braking action
English 1010-001
Speed Kills? They use the slogan “SPEED KILLS” to brainwash the American public into conformity with the insanely-low speed limits that benefit the insurance companies, local governments, and all others who profit from them. The arguments that are used to support this ideal are based upon faulty, self-serving, and biased science. Speed does kill, but only if the vehicle runs into something. The speed limit is set deliberately 10-15 mph below the average driving speed on urban highways and interstates instead of the average speed of normal traffic flow. Most drivers drive at a speed that is comfortable for the conditions and rarely pay attention to the speedometer. With speed limits irrelevant in everyday driving while posted limits exist, they should be increased to account for actual driving behavior, technological innovation or removed altogether. The definition of “speed related” accidents, according to the Department of Transportation include improper lane changes, following too closely, unsafe passing, inattention, reckless driving, high speed chase, erratic speeds, driving less than posted minimums, and driving too fast for conditions (not necessarily above the speed limit). This definition alone proves that speed is being used as a “scapegoat” for the cause of many accidents that were not caused by excessive speed. While taking some weight off of the speeders, it does bring to attention the need for increased attention and more appropriate driving habits. Policing of highways by radar has contributed to the same statistics of fatal crashes used to rationalize these insufficient speed limits. Drivers surprised by the sight of the almost camouflaged police unit, are common causes of highway tragedies for instantly cramming on their brakes, to avoid getting a speeding ticket. With traffic usually traveling in groups, the comfortable following distance is reduced by each reaction to this sudden braking action
Cited: PAGE Richards, Fred. ‘Tis Only My Opinion. “Speed Limits: Do They Promote Safety, Or Are They Just Sources Of Revenue.” Adrich.com. Feb. 1992. Web. 8 Aug. 2010. “Effects of Raising and Lowering Speed Limits.” Ibiblio.com. Oct. 1992. Web. 8 Aug 2010. “Do Speed Limits Matter?” Ibiblio.com. Aug. 1995. Web. 8 Aug. 2010.