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The problem I see with that limit is the fact there are a whole lot of cars out there that aren't in good enough mechanical condition to be going that fast. Suspensions, tires, brakes, etc that won't handle those speeds... too many people who will be driving their junk out there...
The problem I see with that limit is the fact there are a whole lot of cars out there that aren't in good enough mechanical condition to be going that fast. Suspensions, tires, brakes, etc that won't handle those speeds... too many people who will be driving their junk out there...
One solution would be to issue coded license plates. If you want to drive that fast, you apply for a coded plate, and have to prove that your car is mechanically capable of maintaining such speeds safely. Masny states alreadyhave annual safety inspection requirements, which could just be more stringent on cars with a high-speed plate.
I am a native Westerner who has driven in every Western state during over four decades of driving. I'm vehemently opposed to raising speed limits to 80 MPH and here is why:
1. Study after study has shown that typical drivers do not have sufficient mental reaction times to make good driving decisions at speeds above about 70-75 MPH. That is especially true of older drivers.
2. As others have noted, many vehicles on the road are not in good enough mechanical condition to be driven at higher speeds and that is a growing problem, not a shrinking one.
3. One of the biggest safety hazards on highways is when vehicles are traveling at very different speeds. Many over-the-road truck fleets are now governed by their owners to a maximum speed of 65 MPH. Having cars going 15, 20, or 25 MPH faster is a prescription for more accidents.
4. The higher speed limits waste fuel. The more vehicle speed increases over 65 MPH, the greater percentage loss in fuel economy. The LAST thing we need in this country is to use more fuel on the highways.
5. For the typical cross-state trip (even in the large Western states), the time saved with a higher speed limit is pretty minimal--and certainly not worth the extra cost and risk that it causes.
It's a bad idea that, no matter how popular, needs to die.
Last edited by jazzlover; 03-27-2014 at 02:33 PM..
I'm still a cheapskate, and also prefer not to get killed. Have seen the charts that show how badly gas mileage plummets as speed increases. With gas creeping back up to nearly four bucks, the caluclator is churning again. Even in states with 75-80 mph limits, intend to plod (?) along at a steady 70 in the right hand lane where I belong, with the trucks, rvs, and fellow slowpokes.
Another little something people need to consider is that infrasonic sound levels increase with the velocity of a vehicle. This can lead to depression, and a great many other problems. Current thought is that it can be a factor contributing to Deep Vein Thrombosis. Just look up the harmful effects of infrasonic sound.
I hate the idea of sharing the road with drunks and potheads. The thought that drunks and potheads will be able to legally drive at ridiculous speeds compounds their dangerousness(and reduces the likelihood that they will be pulled-over and thrown into jail where they belong, before they have a chance to kill innocent people).
There are so many reasons why these insanely high speed limits are examples of criminal misgovernment.
1. Study after study has shown that typical drivers do not have sufficient mental reaction times to make good driving decisions at speeds above about 70-75 MPH. That is especially true of older drivers.
Then how do some of those very same people pilot airplanes at 400+mph?
I think he is saying older drivers should be banned from highways
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