Re: 55 alive?

[PAUL SOUZA 202-260-6061 <SOUZA.PAUL@epamail.epa.gov>]

          As much as a repeal of federally mandated speed limits excites 
          me, it also presents (to me anyway) a few problems.
          
          I originally received my first liscence in Germany.  I must have 
          spent 6-9 months of driving school (fahrschule) and roughly $2500 
          to get it.  Also, the german TUV inspections are no cakewalk.  
          This difficulty causes two things:  (1) capable drivers on the 
          roads (2) vehicles in good, safe condition.   Plus, it is also 
          very easy for the Polizei to take that liscense away.  Needless 
          to say, if it is taken away, it's a VERY EXPENSIVE proposition to 
          get it back.  The result is people tend to avoid doing things 
          that attract the polizei's attention.  They are very diligent at 
          ticketing people who:  (1) drive drunk, (2) pass on the right, 
          (3) drive too fast through residential and construction zones, 
          and (4) blow red lights.  These fines are also not cheap.  You 
          find that people who shouldn't be behind a wheel can't obtain a 
          liscense, and those that are dangerous lose theirs after a 
          relatively short time.  Happened to a number of classmates.  I 
          also went to a High School of 800 students, and in 4 years we had 
          not ONE drunk driving accident or fatality.  It just isn't done.
          And that's in a country with no drinking age (well, they say it's 
          sixteen.......)
          
          Before I feel comfortable about driving at 85-100+ mph on roads 
          around here, either noone is on the road, or traffic is very, 
          very, very, very, light.  I don't question my abilities, just 
          others.  Otherwise, I use the track.  I think laws here have to 
          change or fines have to be higher and more strictly enforced 
          (busted headlights, fog lights on in the dry, passing on the 
          right, blowing red lights, tailgating, etc), even speeding in 
          residential areas, where in my neighborhood I routinely see kids 
          in GnatsuM TG's do 65-70 in a 25.  That's just stupid.
          
          Unfortunately, most aren't like those on this list, and there's 
          pressure to pull over speeders for revenue's sake rather than 
          safety.  It is seen as a guaranteed income in some jurisdictions.
          I'd be surprised in speed limits being increased much.  That, and 
          because of lack of public transportation, and we're the MINORITY 
          (those who take driving and the repair of our cars seriously), I 
          doubt much will change.
          
          Sorry for the bandwith.
          
          Paul 
          "youknowyourearedneckifyoujumponsomeonesAudithinkinitwasabeemer"
          Souza
          souza.paul@epamail.epa.gov