Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!floyd!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!ubc-visi!alberta!auvax!madrid From: madrid@auvax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.flame Subject: 55 and Type A Behavior Message-ID: <158@auvax.UUCP> Date: Wed, 6-Jul-83 14:18:06 EDT Article-I.D.: auvax.158 Posted: Wed Jul 6 14:18:06 1983 Date-Received: Mon, 11-Jul-83 18:53:35 EDT Lines: 45 O.K. Let's assume, for the moment, that 55 doesn't save gas or lives. Let's assume too that, in a gesture of faith in the common sense of John Q. Public, that speed limits have been abolished completely. Let's even assume that all drivers are competent, responsible people in full posession of all their faculties, and are driving well-maintained vehicles. Can anyone explain to me why anyone would *want* to drive any faster than, say, 55? I would expect that it wouldn't be in order to "test the limits" of their driving competence. Since we are speaking of a competent, responsible population of drivers, they would have the good sense to engage in such recreational and/or thrill-seeking behavior on a racetrack, and not on a public thoroughfare. Perhaps, then, because they are in a hurry? Now, I know that there are dolts who seem to behave as if the speed limit (whatever it might be) is like unto the speed of light: as one approaches the speed limit, time begins to slow down, to stop, and eventually to go backwards. So no matter how late one has started out, one can arrive on time by going fast enough. But we aren't dealing here with dolts. We are talking about people who are able to figure out that a journey of 60 miles takes only 10 minutes longer at 65 than at 55. Why would a person want to raise their blood pressure, their cholestrol level, and all that, by engaging in the high-stress behavior of fast public driving? Why not enjoy to trip? Even the 100 or so miles between Brooks and Medicine Hat (Alberta) - probably the straightest, dullest road in the hemisphere (and not a tree to spoil the view ...) - offers antelope, owls, and gophers to those who care to look. Surely one's own neighborhood could be as interesting. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ But seriously .... I'm not a very experienced driver, and my car is less than an Alfonso di Credenza. I don't feel safe driving quickly. So far, I've been able to avoid freeway driving entirely. What suggestions do you have to enable me to drive in a way that's not hazardous to myself and/or others? R.