RE: US state hikes speed limits?
Friday 19th January 2007
Middle lane morons outlawed?Another US state is considering increasing its maximum speed limit to 80mph.
US state hikes speed limits?
80mph and don't dawdle in outside lane
Middle lane morons outlawed?
Utah's Senate transportation committee has recommended the adoption of a law that would give officials the discretion to increase speed limits where engineering and safety surveys show that most motorists are already safely travelling at that speed.
It would also allow the police to stop drivers for committing various misdemeanours such as using a mobile phone and other due care and attention offences, but not speeding. It also outlaws driving slowly in the outside lane of the motorway, saying that dawdlers, "may not impede the movement or free flow of traffic."
Common sense is not quite yet lost forever. We wish...
Discussion
danrc said:
I didn't think the US measured speed in MPH, i thought it was all KPH?
In the USA?? You think they could work out how to convert to the metric system??
Urrrmm...no. They can't even get a pint right <gets_coat>
Seems like a sensible plan - in places where traffic has been seen to flow safely at higher speed. This seems like what happens already here in the UK, in that a BiB is unlikely to stop you in good conditions travelling at 80mph on a motorway, but if it isn't safe to be doing so then you'll get a tug...the proposal in Utah is just making that a formal arrangement.
marctwo said:
danrc said:
esselte said:
danrc said:
I didn't think the US measured speed in MPH, i thought it was all KPH?
No,I think it's MPH (well, it was last year).
oh right! My mistake, i just assumed their speed limits were in KPH.
No way! They still use cubic inches, pounds (lbs) and gallons!
I'd heard that America was moving towards the metric system inch by inch...
For the record, we Amuricans use the metric system where it makes sense. Our cars all use metric fasteners, for example, and scientific measures, medical, etc.
However, we see no particular reason to switch from miles to kilometers--and last time I was to Blighty you hadn't either--and our cooks see no reasons to give up their cups, just to adopt a system given to the world by the French Revolution (along with the guillotine--and the cream of the French naval officer corps, which is one reason why you all were able to kick Napoleon's butt). But then, we also don't care what Brussels sprouts.
But you're right, most restaurants can't get a pint right, though establishments specializing in brewed beverages are more likely to do so. The pilsner glass is fairly rare these days.
But per speed limits, not only do limits vary from state to state, so is the strictness of enforcement. In rural Pennsylvania, for example, you can usually get away with nine over (i.e., 74 in a 65), but neighboring New Jersey in rural areas, 70 in a 65 is more or less safe. On the other hand, the closer in New Jersey you get to the New York metro area, the faster you can go. Traffic density provides safety in numbers. Cops seem to be reluctant to even park on the side of the road, lest the sudden braking lead to multicar pileups. Then again, my daughter who lives in New Mexico (70% cleaner than the old Mexico) where the speed limit is 75 says that if you drive 85 you're a traffic impediment. And that's in the slow lane.
However, we see no particular reason to switch from miles to kilometers--and last time I was to Blighty you hadn't either--and our cooks see no reasons to give up their cups, just to adopt a system given to the world by the French Revolution (along with the guillotine--and the cream of the French naval officer corps, which is one reason why you all were able to kick Napoleon's butt). But then, we also don't care what Brussels sprouts.
But you're right, most restaurants can't get a pint right, though establishments specializing in brewed beverages are more likely to do so. The pilsner glass is fairly rare these days. But per speed limits, not only do limits vary from state to state, so is the strictness of enforcement. In rural Pennsylvania, for example, you can usually get away with nine over (i.e., 74 in a 65), but neighboring New Jersey in rural areas, 70 in a 65 is more or less safe. On the other hand, the closer in New Jersey you get to the New York metro area, the faster you can go. Traffic density provides safety in numbers. Cops seem to be reluctant to even park on the side of the road, lest the sudden braking lead to multicar pileups. Then again, my daughter who lives in New Mexico (70% cleaner than the old Mexico) where the speed limit is 75 says that if you drive 85 you're a traffic impediment. And that's in the slow lane.
It's about time the UK speed limit was increased to 80mph.... but then it's about time the quality of our roads / motorways were improved by cash paid by the motorist in road fund license and fuel tax.
AND HEY! Radical idea - but what about training learners in how to drive on motorways rather than letting them pas their test with "around town driving" and then assuming that they'll immediately be able to travel at speed, in the right lane (take that either way) and not act like t***ers!
AND HEY! Radical idea - but what about training learners in how to drive on motorways rather than letting them pas their test with "around town driving" and then assuming that they'll immediately be able to travel at speed, in the right lane (take that either way) and not act like t***ers!
V8Cerbera said:
Radical idea - but what about training learners in how to drive on motorways rather than letting them pas their test with "around town driving" and then assuming that they'll immediately be able to travel at speed, in the right lane (take that either way) and not act like t***ers!
Agreed
One thing to keep in mind is that Utah, like many of it's neighbors, has long-long stretches of highway with great visibility and limited access points. The small towns and larger uban area (Salt Lake City) will still have lower limits as you approach the cities.
Bonus, Utah is also home to the Bonneville Salt Flats where we go 200+ mph every year during the SCTA's Speed Week.
Bonus, Utah is also home to the Bonneville Salt Flats where we go 200+ mph every year during the SCTA's Speed Week.
jmatras said:
but neighboring New Jersey in rural areas, 70 in a 65 is more or less safe. On the other hand, the closer in New Jersey you get to the New York metro area, the faster you can go
Indeed. I drove from Manhattan across to NJ a couple of weeks ago, and 80mph was typical once out of the city. Most impressive. I was driving a Hertz Mustang convertible, which made a lovely noise but rather "relaxed" progress. Must have had the cooking engine...
John
Despite what i think of yanks i am truly pleased to see their local government (states) adopt some common sense. About time someone did 
The overtaking lane speed limit in the UK should be unrestricted with a minimum of 85mph. That way all the numpties get the inside and middle lanes. I think inside (crawler) lane already has a minimum speed of 55mph and it should be 70mph max, the middle lane i think should be 70mph min 85mph max. I live in the overtaking lane when motorway driving and feel quite happy doing 100 all day no worries and a lot of others i know do the same.
However, UK government loves the revenues generated from speeding fines so i don't imagine this will ever happen in my lifetime.
The overtaking lane speed limit in the UK should be unrestricted with a minimum of 85mph. That way all the numpties get the inside and middle lanes. I think inside (crawler) lane already has a minimum speed of 55mph and it should be 70mph max, the middle lane i think should be 70mph min 85mph max. I live in the overtaking lane when motorway driving and feel quite happy doing 100 all day no worries and a lot of others i know do the same.
However, UK government loves the revenues generated from speeding fines so i don't imagine this will ever happen in my lifetime.
Wish someone would enforce the 'dawdlers stay out of the outside lane' over here. I am sick of people getting in my way, especially when I am in a rush. It's not that they all do 50, but some deliberatley go slow coz they know you want to get past, and that's without tailgating. Wish I had a gun.... I could blow them off the road 
Now that's an idea
.........
Now that's an idea
.........
scoobiewrx said:
I live in the overtaking lane when motorway driving and feel quite happy doing 100 all day no worries
100 all day in the overtaking lane? To me the resulting speed differential (20mph+ between lanes) is too high to allow a safe, smooth flow. However, 100mph feels fine on an wide empty motorway in good conditions.
But then everyone who drives faster than me is a nutter, and everyone who drives slower is a numpty ;-)
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