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Why are we so weird about speed limits (US)? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 1 day 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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[–] 4 points 1 hour ago* (last edited 1 hour ago)

People will always drive at the speed that feels safe and comfortable, which, because we made roads safe and comfortable for cars, is higher than the posted speed limits almost everywhere.

So say a road here is 35 because there are crosswalks, pedestrians on sidewalks, businesses with cars pulling out. Unless the city makes it feel like a 35 mph road, that's not gonna happen. Speed bumps, narrower lanes, things like that work better. Usually cops don't ticket for 5 over unless it's a school zone at school beginning or end time.

It's not just speed limits. Pay toilets never worked here because people who paid, would jam the lock so the next person didn't have to. We just aren't the most rule-following place in general.

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