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Re: Repeal of the National Speed Limit Law



In article <3sn87m$smr@hpchase.rose.hp.com>, barry@mothra.rose.hp.com (Barry Fowler) writes:
|> 
|> : >Mark my words now. I am saying this on the record. If the speed limits are
|> : >raised by 20 MPH or more there will be an immediate increase in accidents
|> : >and fatalities in those cars not equipped with air bags. The greatest
|> : >increase will be of people under 30 years old.
|> 
|> People are already driving at the "sinful" speed limits that you claim
|> will cause a higher degree of fatalities and accidents.  The change in
|> the speed limit would simply keep them from becoming offenders of the law.

I would argue that an increase in the number of accidents on interstates
(which is how the insurance institute will report it) will be due mainly
to two factors. 

1. A small percentage of people will overdrive their capabilities 
   while adjusting to the new speeds. The group most affected will
   probably be those that drive 55mph now.

2. An increase in the interstate speed limit (I think MA is already 
   talking about going to 70mph) will make the interstates a more
   attractive travel route. There will be a shift of traffic from 
   rural roads to interstates. This increased congestion, combined 
   with the effects of (1) will increase the total # of accidents and 
   fatalities, but not necessarily the # of fatalities per 100 million
   miles driven. Although the Insurance groups will make it sound like
   there is carnage at every corner.

   Someone once refered to these as "bikini statistics"...ones that 
   suggest a lot but reveal nothing.

--Jim


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