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Why are we so weird about speed limits (US)? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 4 hours ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
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  1. Why does everyone drive 10-15 miles above the speed limit?

  2. Why don't we raise the speed limit if that's how fast everyone wants to go?

  3. Why is traffic enforcement given to very expensive and ineffective police instead of cheaper and more automated traffic cameras?

  4. Why do we refuse to ever use ANY traffic calming measures? Yes, than you flashing digital sign for telling me I'm going 10 miles above the limit on this incredibly wide and straight and flat road with high curbs and perfect visibility.

It's a serious confusion I have about how society is supposed to operate because it seems like a complete and total breakdown of logic and sense.

And, yes, I know there's some thing people did long ago to set the speed limit at some percentile of what people were already traveling at, but that's obviously a stupid way to do it and we did it anyway. So why?

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[–] 17 points 4 hours ago (10 children)

Meanwhile Ireland:

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  • [–] 11 points 3 hours ago (6 children)

    The UK is exactly the same, except they will write "SLOW" on the street, right next to the sign, to confuse you.

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  • [–] 8 points 3 hours ago (4 children)

    tbf in the UK they don't have a speed listed on those roads, the national speed limit sign basically just means "We couldn't be arsed to set a safe speed so use your brain."

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  • [–] 9 points 3 hours ago (3 children)

    What? The national speed limit is 60mph, not whatever you feel like. Speed limits are a maximum, and you will be prosecuted if you are not driving at a speed compatible with the conditions, even if its less than the speed limit.

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  • [–] 6 points 3 hours ago

    Yes, but I think the point being made is that some roads are not suitable for that speed despite being national speed limit. There's green lanes around the place with national speed limit signs on when it feels like your vehicle will be demolished anything over 10mph.

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  • [–] 3 points 3 hours ago (1 child)

    Yes legally the maximum speed is 60mph but you aren't going to reach those speeds on those roads. My point was that even if the sign means that technically you can do 60mph you're still going to be done for dangerous driving if you attempt to.

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  • [–] [S] 3 points 3 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) (2 children)

    Yeah, I hear you guys even stop at interesections even if there are no stop signs. Completely mad.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 hours ago (1 child)

    In Ireland, speed limits are more of a dare against all common sense.

    Also, coincidentally, most car drivers, pedestrians and cyclists die on Irish roads compared to anywhere else in the EU... Hmmm... I wonder why that may be the case... 🤔

    Source: I used to live in Ireland for ages.

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