[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Re: Question for Speeders



Just a minor but timely update on the topic of speed.

This morning on the Today show (U.S. - NBC) they had a spot on the
upcoming congressional bill(s) that may rescind the national speed
limit (55 mph, 65 mph on rural interstates), and give the power back
to the states to set their own limits. It was a surprisingly
balanced presentation, showing typical speeds on highways marked
for 55 (around 70 mph), along with the information that "most"
highway engineers recommend raising the limits, and some statistics
that showed we killed fewer people after the 55 went into affect in
the '70s, and more people died on rural interstates after the limits
were raised to 65.

They interviewed the head of the National Motorists Association, who
said that death *rates* (that is, deaths per mile travelled) have
been down steadily for the last 50 years, regardless of average speed
travelled, and people tend to travel at a speed they feel comfortable
with, regardless of the limit, unless there's a cop around.

They also interviewed Joan Claybrook, former head of NHTSA (National
Highway Traffic and Safety Agency), and currently with the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (or somesuch). I'm not entirely sure
what Ms. Claybrook said that was to the point, because she kept
saying things like "....kids racing on the highway..." and other
items that were dire warnings, but had little or no attachment to
the subject. It did seem clear, however, that she felt that states
weren't up to the task of setting their own limits, and that the
Feds obviously know best (with the implication that the Feds know
best as long as the speed limits don't climb :-) ).

Ms. Claybrook's performance was terrific in the sense that she
capitalized on potential fears with excellent sound bite material,
and thus probably "won" the mini debate. On the other hand, if you
know anything about it at all, or are just a thinking person, she
had something very close to zero in terms of content, or a
supportable position.

My guess is that we're going to get state-set limits, and, for
many rural states, that will be a boon.

Bruce


Follow-Ups: References: