Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site umcp-cs.UUCP 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 -- UUCP: {seismo,allegra,brl-bmd}!umcp-cs!chris CSNet: chris@umcp-cs ARPA: chris.umcp-cs@UDel-Relay