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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!barryg
From: barryg@sdcrdcf.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: Re: Flame against 55MPH speed-limit - at a slight tangent
Message-ID: <336@sdcrdcf.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 17-Jun-83 14:52:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: sdcrdcf.336
Posted: Fri Jun 17 14:52:40 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 19-Jun-83 02:12:34 EDT
References:  <256@sdcsvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: barryg@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Barry Gold)
Organization: System Development Corporation--a Burroughs Company
Lines: 24

I like the idea of testing people for skill at every renewal VERY much.
It seems MUCH better than the current arbitrary system of speed limits
that don't take the driver's skill or the condition of the auto into account.
I would also favor a separate test for driving at freeway speeds - to keep off
the freeway those people who don't know how to merge into traffic.

A friend (not on the net) suggested a system that also seems much better than
the current laws specifying a blood alcohol content or prohibiting driving
under the influence of certain drugs but not others:
	IT SHALL BE A CRIME TO DRIVE IN A CONDITION THAT MAKES YOU AN
	UNSAFE DRIVER.

This includes too many drinks, marijuana, coke, or having had a fight with
your girlfriend.  The test is simple.  If a cop thinks you're driving unsafely,
he pulls you over and gives you a behind-the-wheel test - as if you were
applying for a brand-new driving license.  If you fail, jail.   Second offense,
jail plus take the car away.

YES, I know we don't have a test for conditions (like being mad) that affect
your judgement but not your skill.  Obviously, we need to develop one -
it should also be used in licensing tests.  Some people can pass the skill
test with no problem but take insane risks as soon as they are in a hurry,
and we need an attitude test that will screen those off the road.