How do you define "speeding" on the public roads.?

Question

I've driven for many years and remain frustrated at the bandied accounts of speeding.

The law dictates that we comply with the limits designated for the respective road we're on ....without concern for the conditions or quality car being driven at the time.

It's alleged that the public would be at risk if the designated speed was exceeded...I dispute this.

Speeding to me relates to a car being driven beyond its limits of control, which sometimes is well in excess of the designated speed limit.

Surely it follows that a quality car is more capable than the legal banger to maintain control at higher speeds yet the law doesn't descriminate.

It does however become generous when considering the speeding police cars careering around our streets, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Answer 1

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I have taught all age groups and genders at pre-license level, corporate fleet, advanced and track tuition and found that a (predominantly male) trait of overestimating one's ability sadly exists and when pursued can lead to catastrophic results.

Keeping vehicles at a speed that reduces accidents is good news to me....surely to you too??????

I suggest that you make more time for your journey, relax and enjoy your drive.

If you really have a great desire to make rule changes, apply for a position in the respective government department, or join a lobby group.

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Answer 2

yeah i noticed that police cars drive faster on a 35 mph public city road.  They should drive the limit unless they spot a speeder, they should follow the rules also.  But then again we all break rules.

Answer 3

You assume that the better quality vehicle, the better the driver at the controls is.  There is no reason this is so, as evidenced by the large number of young drivers operating cars that are beyond their skill level.

Secondly, it would be a big mistake to assume that a driver is the best judge of his own skill level.  Surveys have shown that up to 80% of American drivers believe that they drive better than 50% of all other drivers.  This, obviously means that a LOT of drivers are in denial of their true abilities.

YOU are also mistaken about how posted speed limits are determined.  They are NOT made without disregard to conditions.  In fact, most, if not all speed limit laws in the US are stated to be in regard to "ideal" conditions of light, weather, road surface and traffic congestion.  If any of these factors are less than ideal, then, even the POSTED speed limit may be in excess of a safe speed.  

Consider, also, that it is not just the individual driver and his vehicle for which the speed laws are written.  ALL the drivers on the road should be aware of the limits they, and all OTHER drivers should be operating under.  Drivers EXPECT other drivers to be moving at speeds relatively close to the speed limits.  Someone making a left turn, across a busy highway will judge if there is enough room to make the turn safely, based on the distance of oncoming traffic and an estimate of the approaching car's speed.  What may be a safe margin at 45 mph may not be if the car is doing 75. (this is one of the reasons cars get into collisions with trains on country roads with plenty of clear viewing.  The drivers are, literally, caught by surprise at how fast a "lumbering" train can close a gap.)

Just imagine a conversation with a traffic officer as you try to explain that YOU shouldn't get a ticket, because YOU are a much better driver than all of the others.

Answer 4

when your in the ditch you were out of control

Answer 5

It depends how you look at it.

If their were no speed laws, I believe speeding would be defined as going to fast for the current conditions (ie: Traffic, weather, car condition..). But since their are laws limiting our speed (in the United states anyways), I would define it as going over the posted limit.

  Sure, You might be able to do 80 in a 50 without feeling a loss of control, or feeling like its reckless at all (like A little used, straight, flat road at 3AM). But technically, you are still speeding if there is a posted limit.

  Speeding can't be defined as going over your cars limit, Because its not over the roads limit. I think that would be considered Reckless driving, rather then speeding.

This is just my opinion, i have no real expertise on the subject. I have never had a ticket (Pulled over 6 times in the last year (all in a two month period), Never got a real ticket though.)

Answer 6

Aw, did someone just get a ticket?

Answer 7

If driving at 30 MPH and you hit a person they have an 80% chance or survival go 40 and 80% chance they will die. That is why speed limits are in place also other speed limits are put in place due to junctions of which people may misjudge your speed and pull out causing a crash. Speed limits like this are put in place to cater for all driving capabilities. On motorways and dual carriageways however I think there could probably be a higher limit. But you have got to remember there are some seriously bad drivers on the road and to make them go too fast, faster than they can think usually will end up with someone hurt. Police do their jobs and often have to get places fast don't think you should begrudge the fact they can speed as you may need them to one day.

Answer 8

yeah i hate cops to. with there badges and guns and such. they think there so cool.

Answer 9

To effectively turn the tide on highway deaths, the nation must view traffic safety within the context of negligent driving. Negligent drivers-whether they are speeding, drunk, distracted, or overly fatigued-put themselves and others at risk, often vastly underestimating the danger posed by their behavior.

There is often a disconnect between the public's perception of the danger of various actions, and the actual danger correlated with them, resulting in millions of unknowingly negligent drivers cruising the roads at any given moment.............................

Answer 10

Speeding in my realm is excessive speed while amongst regular drivers on a surface street. ie....posted limit 45 mph

flow of traffic usually about 55mph, speeder, 70+ braking and  weaving amongst the flow.

Highway travel is most different...slower vehicles are to stay to the right. while faster traffic (in my perfect world) passes on the left. (US)Cops + Firefighters with sirens and flashers have the right of way, no matter WHAT lane I'm in!!!!

Answer 11

"It's alleged that the public would be at risk if the designated speed was exceeded...I dispute this".

Yeah - and you wouldn't dispute this is some bum wipe exceeded the speed limit and hit and killed a member of your family.