Why does speed kill

Our studies show that most speed zones are posted 8 to 12 mph below the prevailing travel speed and 15 mph or more below the maximum safe speed.

Increasing speed limits to more realistic levels will not result in higher speeds but would increase voluntary compliance and target enforcement at the occasional violator and high-risk driver. Samuel C. Tignor, Ph. Gary Witzenburg , Consumer Guide. Since most citizens can be relied upon to behave in a reasonable manner as they go about their daily activities, many of our laws reflect observations of the way reasonable people behave under most circumstances.

Traffic regulations are invariably based upon observations of the behavior of groups of travelers under various conditions. Generally speaking, traffic laws that reflect the behavior of the majority of vehicle operators are found to be successful, while laws that arbitrarily restrict the majority of drivers encourage wholesale violations, lack public support, and usually fail to bring about desirable changes in driving behavior. This is especially true of speed zoning.

The Myth… It is a common myth that posting slower speed limit signs forces drivers to slow down and will result in fewer traffic accidents.

National research has shown that drivers are influenced by the prevailing traffic conditions and the type of street, not the posted speed limit. A: Before and after studies consistently demonstrate that there are no significant changes in traffic speeds following the posting of new speed limit signs. Tests done by the TMAC Traffic Management Advisory Committee and the Police Department show that the vast majority Needham motorists drive at 30 mph or less, and that the observer tend to overestimate the speed of passing cars.

Important among these factors are:. To enforce traffic laws is to compel obedience of them. The fact that so much compulsion seems necessary is a clear indication of serious deficiency in one or more of the first three factors presented above. Thus, although enforcement should only be necessary for a small perverse minority, it is all too much invoked for large proportions … The really needed steps to reduce violations are the effective promulgation of reasonable regulations and the education of the public as to the saneness, necessity and value of them and as to how the individual is expected to act in compliance with the said laws.

Publication No. They are setting speed limits that are too low. That makes no sense to us. Most people are sane. Older engines may go up to rpm or more while warming up.

High idle speeds waste fuel, cause extra wear and tear on your engine, and can be unsafe as well. A faulty or blown fuse in other electronically controlled systems can cause the Idle Air Control IAC motor to malfunction, leading to a higher than normal engine idle speed.

Malfunctioning Throttle: A malfunctioning throttle system can cause both a high or low idle as well as an engine stall. If your car has high RPM while idling, it can be attributed to a problem with the idle control valve. This valve helps the car to maintain a specific RPM while idling. This idle control valve also has a fuse which if blown, will stop the valve from working altogether.

Rough idle is easy to detect when you start your vehicle, and it may be dependent on the engine temperature when you start your car. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Skip to content Home Essay Why does speed kill? Ben Davis May 1, Why does speed kill? What does speed kills mean?

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