Speeding story in the Charlotte Observer (Jefferson, Star: live, dangerous, legally)

[bs13690]

I know this is probably old news to people who have lived here for a while but new residents may find it interesting.

Speeders break the law, then reap the breaks | CharlotteObserver.com

The biggest question about this article that I have is why would someone drive 120 miles roundtrip to work at a bar?

[Timm]

I found it very interesting. They have to find a way to stop treating speeding like it's nothing. Start taking some licenses away. I mean, really, it can't take that long to check a driver's history before dismissing a ticket or letting him plea it down.

[Stripes17]

I found that article to be very eye-opening as well. I am usually very vocal about the LEO's not enforcing traffic laws, but I can see now that they probably lack motivation with such a low conviction rate.

Things HAVE got to change.

[mullman]

I personally think 'speeding' (on the open highways) is near the bottom of our list of problems.

In most of Europe, driving is considered a 'privilege' and not a 'right'.
Driver training should consist of more than watching a few horror-wreck films shot in the 60s and driving around town with a half-asleep instructor for a few hours. When I took it in the 80s it was a complete joke. Jeff Spicoli (Fast Times at Ridgemont High) would pass no problem.
I understand it has not gotten any better, but worse.

Raise the license and driver's training requirements, ban texting, cell phones, and eating a taco while driving, and raise the speed limits.
On 485, last week, I actually saw someone driving in the left lane at 60 mph, steering with their knees, and applying some sauce to a hamburger - these are the geniuses among us.

IMHO 80 mph is not a big deal on a smooth highway, with a 100% attentive driver.
'Speeding' is only dangerous here because the lowest common denominator is a complete idiot and only about 10% of the driving populace pay full attention and are not eating, talking on the phone, shaving, reading the paper, yelling at the kids, or applying makeup.

/flame.suit.on/

[TheEmissary]

Amen mullman!!!!!! I'd give you reps for that one but it won't let me.

[Fighter 1]

Originally Posted by mullman

I personally think 'speeding' (on the open highways) is near the bottom of our list of problems.

In most of Europe, driving is considered a 'privilege' and not a 'right'.
Driver training should consist of more than watching a few horror-wreck films shot in the 60s and driving around town with a half-asleep instructor for a few hours. When I took it in the 80s it was a complete joke. Jeff Spicoli (Fast Times at Ridgemont High) would pass no problem.
I understand it has not gotten any better, but worse.

Raise the license and driver's training requirements, ban texting, cell phones, and eating a taco while driving, and raise the speed limits.
On 485, last week, I actually saw someone driving in the left lane at 60 mph, steering with their knees, and applying some sauce to a hamburger - these are the geniuses among us.

IMHO 80 mph is not a big deal on a smooth highway, with a 100% attentive driver.
'Speeding' is only dangerous here because the lowest common denominator is a complete idiot and only about 10% of the driving populace pay full attention and are not eating, talking on the phone, shaving, reading the paper, yelling at the kids, or applying makeup.

/flame.suit.on/

Excuse me but I do believe that North Carolina is still in the US and as an American we all have an unalienable "RIGHT" to Travel un emcumbered or restricted" so if your really concerened about speeding why does the Government allow the auto makers to build these rocket sleds! autos that can go 90- 120 mph ???? if our so called speed limits are set at 60 -65 then the vehicles should not be able to go any faster ! problem solved.

[mullman]

Originally Posted by Fighter 1

so if your really concerened about speeding why does the Government allow the auto makers to build these rocket sleds! autos that can go 90- 120 mph ???? if our so called speed limits are set at 60 -65 then the vehicles should not be able to go any faster ! problem solved.

Another big government type who does not believe in personal responsibility and accountability.
Can I assume you munch or text while you drive 64.9 mph in the left lane of a clear highway?
When doing so and the driver behind you flashes their lights for you to move over you simply roll down the window and flip the bird, right?

The true problem is that the standards are so low that any orangutang who can put on pants and grunt may obtain a driver's license, not the vehicles that are available.

Are you honestly suggesting to govern all vehicles to 65 mph via a government mandate?
Seriously?

If so, then I suppose I can escape to places where you can still legally do this (yes me behind the wheel 168 mph):



It appears today's America is too dumbed-down for such personal responsibly.
Jefferson rolls over once more in his grave...

[ellemaew]

Originally Posted by Fighter 1

Excuse me but I do believe that North Carolina is still in the US and as an American we all have an unalienable "RIGHT" to Travel un emcumbered or restricted" so if your really concerened about speeding why does the Government allow the auto makers to build these rocket sleds! autos that can go 90- 120 mph ???? if our so called speed limits are set at 60 -65 then the vehicles should not be able to go any faster ! problem solved.

So what, then I have to have a different car to drive where the speed limit is 45, and another where the speed limit is 35... so it can have a limiter on it that will prevent me from being an idiot at that speed?? Social responsibility is quickly becoming a "bad" word for all those "freedom" loving people who think they're freedoms trump everybody elses.

[mullman]

Originally Posted by ellemaew

So what, then I have to have a different car to drive where the speed limit is 45, and another where the speed limit is 35... so it can have a limiter on it that will prevent me from being an idiot at that speed?? Social responsibility is quickly becoming a "bad" word for all those "freedom" loving people who think they're freedoms trump everybody elses.

+1

I am a long time motorcycle rider, and I shudder at the thought of riding a two-wheeler that only went the speed limit.
Many times one could simply could not get out of harms way.

But big government (and their types) know best, right?
We see how that is working out putting our children/grandchildren in perpetual debt.

[Fighter 1]

Originally Posted by mullman

Another big government type who does not believe in personal responsibility and accountability.
Can I assume you munch or text while you drive 64.9 mph in the left lane of a clear highway?
When doing so and the driver behind you flashes their lights for you to move over you simply roll down the window and flip the bird, right?

The true problem is that the standards are so low that any orangutang who can put on pants and grunt may obtain a driver's license, not the vehicles that are available.

Are you honestly suggesting to govern all vehicles to 65 mph via a government mandate?
Seriously;
If so, then I suppose I can escape to places where you can still legally do this (yes me behind the wheel 168 mph):

It appears today's America is too dumbed-down for such personal responsibly.Jefferson rolls over once more in his grave...

No mandates and signs don't do the job . but if you bury the gas pedal to the floor and all it will do is 60=65 mph then how are you as you attempt to show going to do 168 mph ???./ again problem solved even the orangutang can't make it go any faster !