The American Spectator

Reader Mail

(Page 9 of 18)

p> ON SPEED br> Re: Eric Peters's Speed Limit Senses : /p>

Speed limits aren't arbitrary. The faster you go, the harder it is to control your vehicle -- even if you're a skillful driver. If you have to stop on a dime (what if a car suddenly pulls out of a driveway?), you're less likely to do damage at 25 mph than 45 mph. It's called physics.

Here in Reno, we have numerous 25 mph zones. There is one in particular, on a downward curving street named California Avenue. Lots of drivers go 35 to 45 on this stretch of road. The problem is, as you drive eastward on the gradually sloping grade, it is very easy to pick up speed without noticing it. Then, all of a sudden you must negotiate a sharp turn. At this point drivers have been known to lose control and slam into thick trees lining the street. People whine about speed limits, but on some roads, there's actually a reason for them.

I've been driving since 1978, and have yet to get into an accident. I obey speed limits. Sadly, the sort of "don't tread on me" sentiment expressed in this article has led to tens of thousands of fatalities.

p>There is also a troubling moral relativism expressed in this article. If it's OK to go 35 in a 25 zone, then it's OK to go 75 in a 25 zone. Where do you draw the line? br> -- Robert Ellis /p>

I, some what, agree with the idea discussed in the article that we are all old enough to access our own driving skills and are capable of deciding what speed is safe for us. I tend to worry about the innocent victims of those who have made an error in judgment and have caused a wreck. A little less than eight and a half years ago, my parents were killed by an eighty-six year old man who felt it was safe to drink and drive regardless of the laws which say it's not.

p>It's unfortunate, but we all have to live under some arbitrary laws which might deter the less responsible from breaking the law and hurting the innocent.

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