Speed limits, texting, and a poll.

[BIGJake111]

I found this article and I have personally had thoughts like this in the past, while I would likely not go around at 100, however, I do feel that speed limits could use a reform. The poll is to see how often people with sports cars text and drive in comparison to those with less engaging cars, I think the poll is anonymous so be honest. I wouldn't imagine many here text and drive anyways though. I personally would never text and drive but as a teen I know that many, many, people my age do so.

Article link: http://www.thesmokingtire.com/2014/raise-speed-limits/

[Timco]

I text at red lights. I only answer the phone while moving and pull over to make calls unless on the interstate. (Illegal here now to dial)

Speed limits suck and are too slow. All freeways / highways / interstates should be 90-100 outside of city limits. That doesn't mean you have to drive that fast, but it's a reasonable limit.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by Timco

I text at red lights. I only answer the phone while moving and pull over to make calls unless on the interstate. (Illegal here now to dial)

At red lights and such is not an issue, thank you for your input.

[CraigM]

Red lights only.

Now, google maps while my wife "navigates," yes...

[tomc88]

in a car, it takes a split second for things to go to ****************. in the time it takes your eyes to go from the road to your phone and back, it could already be too late.

but the other issue is that with a text (or phone call) you get engrossed -
and it's been proven (and a no brainer) that your brain can only do so much at once

rant over

[tomc88]

anyone who uses their phone whilst driving should get a 10 year ban.

I walk the kids to school and every 5th car the selfish stupid driver doesn't have his/her eyes on the road. I've nearly been hit myself because some dopey women was looking at her lap instead of ahead.

those who do it - you'll soon change your ways when your kid or family member is hit by 2 tonnes of metal

[JayG]

in California, it is illegal to text or dial or use and app or talk on a phone in your hand even when stopped at a light.

Hands free means you are not holding the phone

[danch]

It is illegal in the UK to hold a phone/text at all whilst driving & that includes waiting at lights or queuing in traffic, I have now again text whilst at a red light but try to avoid at all times.

On the other hand I agree that out of city speed limits need raising in most countries, I am more alert at higher speeds & my perception is hightened wheras at lower speeds driving boredom sets in.

We have motorway limits of 70mph & I think on the major motorways they could be raised to 100mph limit.

[particlewave]

I disagree. Too many idiot drivers for those speeds. Do you really want that nutso college girl flying down the interstate at 90mph whilst checking her makeup and/ or talking on the phone?

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by particlewave

I disagree. Too many idiot drivers for those speeds. Do you really want that nutso college girl flying down the interstate at 90mph whilst checking her makeup and/ or talking on the phone?

The general idea is that at a higher speed someone like this would be more concerned with the road, and as the article states, these limits are auto specific, my personal idea would be that you would get a certain class license. Say a boxster is a class B car, and a excursion is a class D car. Not only would testing be more suited to the class of car you drive but my opinion on speed would be that say a class B car can go 30 over on non city roads and say class D is restricted to the limit.

[Fintro11]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

The general idea is that at a higher speed someone like this would be more concerned with the road, and as the article states, these limits are auto specific, my personal idea would be that you would get a certain class license. Say a boxster is a class B car, and a excursion is a class D car. Not only would testing be more suited to the class of car you drive but my opinion on speed would be that say a class B car can go 30 over on non city roads and say class D is restricted to the limit.

That is a very stupid idea to say the least.

Most highways should be raised to at least 130 kph

Speed is not the major problem, it's when you have some one going 130 compared to 90 kph is when you have a problem. The speed difference is the danger. You are coming up so quick on the other guy chances are he will not see you coming and that's where a lot of accidents happen. It is a lot safer if every one is going the same speed either faster or slower.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by Fintro11

That is a very stupid idea to say the least.

Most highways should be raised to at least 130 kph

Speed is not the major problem, it's when you have some one going 130 compared to 90 kph is when you have a problem. The speed difference is the danger. You are coming up so quick on the other guy chances are he will not see you coming and that's where a lot of accidents happen. It is a lot safer if every one is going the same speed either faster or slower.

That isn't the case in Germany, passing does need serious reform though as there is a major respect for only using the left lane in the case of passing in Germany. As for the comment about trucks passing being a major problem, this would likely be more suited for a 3 or more lane highway with no trucks allowed in the left.

[Coaster]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

As for the comment about trucks passing being a major problem, this would likely be more suited for a 3 or more lane highway with no trucks allowed in the left.

For the most part, 3 lane roads are in the city and all the highways "out in the country" are 2 lanes. In the city (Austin) we already restrict semis to the right two lanes and it helps a lot but the amount of traffic those roads see wouldn't support mixed speed limit use.

[TypeA]

Originally Posted by Fintro11

That is a very stupid idea to say the least.

Most highways should be raised to at least 130 kph

Speed is not the major problem, it's when you have some one going 130 compared to 90 kph is when you have a problem. The speed difference is the danger. You are coming up so quick on the other guy chances are he will not see you coming and that's where a lot of accidents happen. It is a lot safer if every one is going the same speed either faster or slower.

While I do like Jake's idea I do have to agree with you. Just from a safety point of view speeds must be consistent for all. I dont drive my box around others the same that I do on open roads by myself but thats only because I dont like taking others by surprise.

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by TypeA

While I do like Jake's idea I do have to agree with you. Just from a safety point of view speeds must be consistent for all. I dont drive my box around others the same that I do on open roads by myself but thats only because I dont like taking others by surprise.

Very valid points. There are few situations that this would work so well.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by TypeA

While I do like Jake's idea I do have to agree with you. Just from a safety point of view speeds must be consistent for all..

But they never will be. No matter what the posted limit is. Nearly everyone is driving above the speed that their driving skill level should permit.
Maybe speeds will be consistent when Google or Elon Musk invent self-driving car highways.

[TWODAN]

Originally Posted by BIGJake111

The general idea is that at a higher speed someone like this would be more concerned with the road, and as the article states, these limits are auto specific, my personal idea would be that you would get a certain class license. Say a boxster is a class B car, and a excursion is a class D car. Not only would testing be more suited to the class of car you drive but my opinion on speed would be that say a class B car can go 30 over on non city roads and say class D is restricted to the limit.

So I can do 80 in my 911 on the interstate but not my pick up? My wife feels safer in the PU doing 80 than the 911.
Nah, don't agree.
Dan

[BIGJake111]

Originally Posted by TWODAN

So I can do 80 in my 911 on the interstate but not my pick up? My wife feels safer in the PU doing 80 than the 911.
Nah, don't agree.
Dan

Well the point is the safety of others and not yourself, same as how transfer trucks are only aloud in the right lanes because they would cause much more damage if they were to cross the divider.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by particlewave

I disagree. Too many idiot drivers for those speeds. Do you really want that nutso college girl flying down the interstate at 90mph whilst checking her makeup and/ or talking on the phone?

Hmmmm....on second thought, those types already drive that way and at those speeds

[j.fro]

I'm probably going to be called a heretic, but now that the speed limit on Virginia interstates is 70, I think things are about right. There are a lot of folks out there who take driving for granted, and letting them legally go faster won't make them any more aware. Modern vehicles (big ol' SUVs in particular ) isolate drivers from what's really going on. At 80 you feel like you are in your living room.
Classifying vehicles would just be a mess. Ever been to a big SCCA autocross where folks are griping about what class a certain car is in?
Driving our cars at the limit is fun and exhilarating, but we have to keep it safe. Save up and do track days or Autocross events.