No new speed law; just tax speeders
Many legislators have talked about passing laws to return to a national speed limit of 55 mph. This is supposed to save gas and help the pressure placed on the supply we have and lower prices. However, I have a better idea. Let's enforce the laws we have!
Speeding is one of the most common factors that contribute to traffic accidents, according to the government's National Highway Traffic Safety Association. They estimate the economic cost to society of speeding related crashes to be more than $40 billion per year.
In addition, in 2004, the last year reported, 13,192 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes.
Also, studies show that speeding and aggressive driving uses 15 to 20 percent more gas by drivers than observing the posted speed limits. The current gas shortage is costing us all more money. In light of this information, it would seem that speeders and aggressive drivers leave a rather large carbon footprint behind.
Speeding is not a right of drivers, just as free speech is not always a right. For example, you can't scream "fire" in a movie theater. Speeding and aggressive driving is both dangerous and costly.
Perhaps a hefty "green fee" or tax should be levied by legislators in an attempt to reduce this behavior, in addition to the current fine. Increase the effort of police and use of cameras to catch speeders. Maybe it might save your life or the life of a loved one.
William B. Cummings
Executive Director
www.DriveTheLimit.org
Batavia