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Path: utzoo!linus!wivax!decvax!harpo!seismo!rlgvax!cvl!umcp-cs!chris
From: chris@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: Re: Flame against 55MPH speed-limit
Message-ID: <225@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 16-Jun-83 23:23:22 EDT
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.225
Posted: Thu Jun 16 23:23:22 1983
Date-Received: Sat, 18-Jun-83 04:32:20 EDT
References: <237@mit-eddi.UUCP>
Organization: Univ. of Maryland, Computer Science Dept.
Lines: 37

To speed or not to speed, that is the question.  Whether 'tis nobler
to smash into a concrete pylon, or, by slowing, blow 7 kilobucks
of car.  Ok, now that I've gotten started, here's my two napalm's
worth.

Personally, I think the 55mph speed limit is pretty aggravating in
most places.  When I had a high-powered engine, and when it was
safe (for me, others, and from being arrested) I drove faster than
55.  I don't really care that there's a speed limit; the point is
to not "smash into a concrete pylon" nor anything else.  This was
easy at up to about 90mph, when there was no one else on the nice
limited access highway.  It's more difficult when there's lots of
cars around.  Then 55 (or 60, or 65) seems more reasonable.  There
should be no fixed speed limit; it really depends on the situation.

Unfortunately, if the speed limit were removed, those who are
lacking in ability would also drive faster.  I do not appreciate
being rammed from the rear by someone with a big engine and no
skill.  You see, I now drive this wimpy 4-cylinder car that can
hardly do 55 at all.  It's got only 4 gears:  start-up, slow, medium
slow, and medium.  So I'm out there chugging along at 50mph (in
the right-hand lane, thank you), and can't go any faster.  If you
can't stop/change lanes in time, and run into me, I don't consider
that my fault, even if I'm going 40!  (If you're going less than
40, what the f*ck are you doing on a limited access highway?)

As long as there are turkeys, we can't get rid of the speed limit.
Why don't we get rid of the turkeys?  How about a "maximum speed"
restriction on your driver's license?  Maybe a "not qualified to
use the interstate"?  (How about the situation in "Why Johnny can't
Speed", by Alan Dean Foster?  That might be even more fun....)

				- Chris
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