[net.auto] Flamin' at 55 supporters

tb (10/28/82)

Having recovered from arithmetic errors I yet again brave the net.

I don't understand why some people are so nancy about tedious laws (no
disrespect to Ms Ron Regan).  Anyone who drives as much as I do soon
finds 55 unstimulating to say the least.. I totally agree with Chris
Kent.  The main factor re expressway speeds is to keep up with the
other traffic.  Obviously one can't exceed the traffic speed in stop
and go situations (lest you use the shoulder). Equally bad as shoulder
riding is drifting along much slower than other traffic.  There are
BAD drivers who WILL become irritated by sluggies, and WILL try to pass
when they shouldn't.  The point: no matter what the speed limit you
will always find boy-racers... BMW's doing 90mph... and there will
always be slow drivers... 45mph grannies.

I suppose the lower the speed limit, the bigger the number of cars
that are capable of speeding.  More cash for yer State troopers?

I regard my self as a safe driver, even defensive of others errors,
and like 98% of expressway drivers (in Illinois) I usually travel
at 65 - 70 mph.  I do have a Radar detector (sorry, it's one of 
those crummy Radio Shark jobs).  I don't want tickets for doing
what all the other road users are doing.

Oh, one final point.  55mph dosn't give a good "velocity gradient"
across the road.  70mph does.  This gives rise to well defined
speeds per lane.  70+ outer, 65ish middle, 50 -65 inside (right).
This means no passing on the inside (right).  Now consider exit 
ramps on the LEFT.  (What turkey invented that!)... perhaps we
will sitck to 55 after all... SHOOT!

Terry Bradley
houti!tb, lime!blue!terryb