Your editorial comment (Aug. 10), "An extra 5 to 10 miles over the limit isn't a big deal if road conditions allow and probably won't result in a ticket," [not posted] chilled me to the bone. This is the most irresponsible thing I've ever read in a newspaper. Driving an automobile is the most dangerous thing the average American will ever do. It results in the deaths of roughly 45,000 people each year and the permanent disability of another 300,000 people per year.
Legally, one mile per hour over the limit is enough for a ticket. And with a speed limit of 65 or 70 mph, your odds of being in a horrific crash are fairly reasonable. Add another 5 to 10 mph on top of that and you have doubled the likelihood that you will not survive such a crash.
James Reid
Thomasville
Comments (5)
What is this, nagging day? You have the PC police cracking down on watermelons, the temperance police cracking down on higher alcohol beer (as if Sophisticated Dan's Strawberry Wheat Ale, at $9.99 a sixpack, is going to ratchet up potential AA clients), and now the speed police characterizing as THE MOST IRRESPONSIBLE THING EVER PUBLISHED IN A NEWSPAPER the N&R's suggestion that going 5-10 mph over the speed limit isn't the end of the world. (What about the N&R's endorsement of Al Gore? Now that was irresponsible.) I freely confess my bias here in that I believe the most heroic act of the last century was Richard Petty's tapping that guy going 55 in the fast lane. But still, can't we all agree that the shrillness quotient here is a little excessive?
Posted by brian | August 15, 2005 11:36 AM
If people went around watchin' the speedometer to make sure the went EXACTLY the speedlimit, I bet you'd TRIPLE the number of accidents. (I'll supply the same facts that James Reid does to back up his argument)
Posted by biscuit | August 15, 2005 12:40 PM
I couldn't agree more, Brian. I'm reminded of a favorite phrase of a friend of mine: "Thall shall not whine."
Posted by Mad Dog | August 15, 2005 1:56 PM
Why do so many people want to be a foolish, senseless "big shot" in regards to speed and safety? I truly do not understand this dangerous train of thought!
I read the GRAND letter by James Reid of Thomasville written on August 15, 2005. In the letter, Mr. Reid was insightful, so truthful and maintained such natural common sense!
I previously addressed this same issue because this same issue still exists. I rarely see law enforcement taking charge, upholding these traffic laws! Why?
Please start your destinations earlier,watch your signs and act intelligently. Driving is such an awesome privilege and RESPONSIBILITY! Be respectful of yourself and for the lives of others!!
Posted by Page Thompson | August 15, 2005 6:42 PM
"Your editorial comment...chilled me to the bone."
Mr. Reid, I'd suggest you stick to dimly lit places. I'd hate for you to to get a glimpse of your shadow.
Posted by Paul Elledge | August 15, 2005 7:19 PM