So what would happen if all the speed limit signs were brought down and replaced with signs that read “Slower Traffic Keep Right”? I know that some out there have thought that no matter what speed limit sign was put up, drivers would still drive 10 mph faster just like they do today. That argument would eventually loose out as you could continue to raise the speed limit and eventually find a satisfactory speed with which fewer and fewer would want, let alone be able to go any faster. In fact back in the good old days a new road would be built and they would send out engineers to survey the average speed of drivers on a given section then set the speed limit and the next 5 mph increment for which 85% of the traffic was traveling in their natural speed mode for that section. This seemed to work pretty well and still indicates that people will find a speed that feels about right for a given road and the vehicle they are using.
An interesting side note about speed is that the current interstate system that was built in the 50’s was designed for 80 MPH travel. This was for cars that were also designed in the 50’s that had suspension systems, and tires, and brakes that were designed in the 50’s. Cars have evolved some since then and most cars handle and brake better than the cars of 20 years ago let alone 60 years ago yet speed limits in many areas of the country are still lower than they were back before the national 55 MPH speed limit.
Another interesting side note. During the days of the national 55 MPH speed limit, I had on several occasions exceeded the national limit and contrary to popular belief I did not spontaneously combust nor did I have a blow out and go careening out of control off an embankment, nor did I wipe out classroom of school children, or even take out any wondering small or large animals. In fact I have safely, and I stress the word safely, exceeded the speed limit on several occasions were the only consequence of doing so was to arrive at my destination on time or early, refreshed, invigorated and ready for the prospects that destination had in store.
There is talk that Utah will be raising the speed limit from 75 to 80 on some rural sections of the Interstate. This will make it the highest speed limit in the nation if it is true. That honor used to belong to Montana for a short time when its daylight speed limit was set at “Reasonable and Prudent”. This was the closest we have come to having an authentic speed law for a freedom loving nation. Yet, because one man’s reasonable is not always another man’s prudent it became too hard to enforce and it had to be given up. Truly a sad day for the nation.
If you have never driven out in the west, again do not prejudge. There are vast sections of long straight well made and maintained roads for which a modern car could safely travel 100 mph without concern. In fact there is a 36+, mile stretch of I-80 just east of the Nevada border that doesn’t have a single curve or bend or hill or anything. It has its own beauty about it as it runs along the Bonneville Salt Flats but it is a section of road that can be fully appreciated in a lot less time.
Also by way of comparison, I have driven on two lane roads back east that have speed limits set 10 mph faster than would the equivalent road out west. One of the roads I enjoyed the most was on the Blue Ridge Parkway (the greatest thing to come out of the depression) as the speed limit was set at 45 mph. I think they intended most folks to slow down for the corners.
Now one point of note needs to be made here. Road conditions might be such that speeds traveled could and should be lower than speed signs posted. Weather may play a factor in driving conditions as well as traffic congestion and road debris and potholes and any other factor that may be around on any given trip. The deal is that the driver still has to make judgments and decisions based on any given situation in order to make what can be considered safe journey. The driver is still required to be present.
And therein is the hope of the individual. Smart cars, and smart roads and mass transit and rural renewal developments are all there to reduce your ability to have to act on your own cognizance and there are many that will strive to force that issue under the guise of some civil suitability such as safety, ecology, conservation or what have you. But if they can not solve all your mobility needs and you still have to meet those needs on your own and are willing to fight to keep that right as an individual, then we still have a chance.
It is a dangerous path we tread because it is so easy to get suckered into the arguments of giving up freedoms for the common good, but once lost they are seldom won.
Back to Part 1, or Part 2.
This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.
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