Re: Speedy Gonzales, from his POV

["Psychotic Don't-you-dare-tickle-me Elmo" <honge@creighton.edu>]

>How does going _faster_ give one _more_ time to react to dangerous roadway
>situations???  I can only see this helping if you need to get _away_ from
>an overtly bad driver(s), but even then, if they're maintaining a speed,
>slowing for a brief time to put distance between you and them could

That sounds right. Although one difference between speeding up and slowing
down is that speeding up is a lot harder (even for the F40 guy).

>achieve the same goal.  I'd have to say (IMHO, I guess) that drivers who
>consistently speed 10, 15, 20+ over the limit sacrifice the safety of
>other road users for their desire for speed... quattro or otherwise, 
>greater speeds = reduced available reaction time. 

Well, that sounds dandy and all. But I see two issues here. One, is speed
versus safety. Second, is the how realistic is the posted speed limit.

Okay, speed vs. safety. With respect to Ralph et al, does speeding up
really increase the chance of accident? Sure, in theory, you get less and
less reaction time (and all that good stuff). But what does recorded
statistics say?

Alright, I couldn't put my finger on the data -- think it was in some mag
in early '90s (I know. I still own a fellow lister as to which mag did the
RS2 was mentioned -- both Avant and the sedan.). Anyway, from I can recall
(from my magical hat) was that 90% of accidents occured in speed of 45mph
and less; 95% occured in speed of 55mph and less; etc. In fact, the trend
was the same in most modern countries -- UK, Germany, Japan, etc. Majority
of accidents happened in speed of 45mph and less.

Now, there's also question of whether accidents happened with speeding as
one of the causes. Well, I don't think that article said anything about
it. But looking at it, is it relevant? Speed does not kill. Running into
things kill, I always say.

Now 'bout the posted speed limit. I think this was one of the (in)famous
thing of all. Seems like one of Uncle Sam's paid underling has discovered
that posted speed limits are usually 5 to 15mph slower than the traffic
speed. ("Traffic speed" as "natural flow of things.") Traffic speed will
not go at posted 75mph if there's blizzard going on; conversely, posting
35mph limit on an interstate sort of environment, and you will have 99% of
people gover at least 20mph over the limit. You can dig more gory-detailed
goodies from your fav Uncle Sam.

Now, does it mean that you should speed because of above account(s)??
Hell, no. Please don't do that. Do drive with intelligently-derived
conclusion to speed, in which does not significantly increase the chance
of accident (everything has mathmatical chance, afterall). Few years ago,
I almost ran over a kid -- while going 15mph. Damn scary, I'd say. Always
drive with clear mind, open eyes. And keep your shoulder above your knees.

Wow, this is one mighty gathering of words. Hey, Al, you think I can turn
this into disser-whatchamacallit for degree in Adult Ed?? (:

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