The Speed Limit Paradox: Why Most Cars Drive at 70 MPH
Have you ever noticed that on the road, despite the posted speed limit being 65 MPH, most cars seem to cruise at around 70 MPH? This phenomenon raises an important question: why do drivers exceed the legal speed limits so frequently? Moreover, what does it actually safeguard for these drivers to drive at such speeds, and are they okay with the potential risks associated?
Why Drivers Exceed Speed Limits
There are several factors that contribute to why most drivers exceed the speed limit, often by a few miles per hour.
Car Speedometers and Measurement Accuracy
One critical factor is the accuracy of car speedometers. Many car speedometers are known to over-read by about 10 miles per hour. This means that if a driver looks at their speedometer and it reads 70 MPH, the actual speed of the car is more likely to be around 63 or 65 MPH. This discrepancy is intentional: car manufacturers set speedometers to always read a bit higher to avoid potential lawsuits in the event the car is found to be moving slower than indicated. Thus, to be on the safe side, drivers may assume they are traveling at a legal speed when their speedometer shows a higher reading.
Police Discretion and Tolerance
Another reason for the widespread speeding among drivers is the policing discretion regarding the enforcement of speed limits. Police officers might have better things to do than strictly enforce the law for minor speed violations. They could apply a certain tolerance or discretion based on the situation. For example, if a driver is only marginally above the limit and not a direct threat to safety, they may let them go. This leniency is often determined by the officer's discretion and the circumstances faced at the time of the violation.
Safety Considerations and Driving Conditions
It's also important to consider the various driving conditions and their impacts on safe driving speeds. A driver traveling at a comfortable 70 MPH on a clear day with good visibility is different from a driver navigating wet roads or weaving through busy traffic at any fast speed.
Driving Conditions and Speed Safety
Someone driving at 70 MPH at a good distance from the car in front in the dry is generally a much safer option than someone driving too closely at 65 MPH in wet conditions. This is because adverse weather and poor visibility can significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially at high speeds. Similarly, weaving through busy traffic at any fast speed is inherently dangerous and poses a greater risk to all road users.
The Acceptable Risk Among Drivers
The driving community is largely composed of individuals who aim to drive as fast as possible without facing the risk of getting pulled over for speeding. This mindset often leads to the pervasive practice of driving 5 mph above the speed limit. Interestingly, the risk of getting caught and fined for the extra speed is a significant deterrent for most law-abiding drivers. Conversely, those who do not respect the law and speed freely contribute to a culture where speeding is perceived as a norm.
Stroads and the Misleading Design
Further complicating the matter are stroads, which are street-road hybrids with features of both (such as strip malls, multi-lane intersections). These roads are often designed for higher speeds than what is practically safe, leading to a dangerous combination of high speeds and suboptimal design. Drivers on stroads often feel that they have more freedom to drive fast due to the perception of design and the reality of their driving conditions.
In conclusion, while driving at 70 MPH may seem illegal and potentially dangerous, it is a common practice among drivers due to the reasons discussed above. The reality is that the speed limits may often be set too low, and the margin of error provided by car speedometers and the policing discretion of officers create a tolerance level that many drivers take advantage of. However, driving at such speeds does introduce safety concerns, particularly in adverse conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for all road users to practice caution and awareness of their surroundings to ensure everyone's safety on the road.