Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Airscrew on May 17, 2006, 11:57:12 AM
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Holly Cow! :aok Just in time for my trip to Nevada
AP News,
The nation's top legal driving speed soon could rise to a long-forbidden 80 mph as Texas moves toward increasing the limit on parts of two interstate highways.
The proposed increase on Interstates 10 and 20 in West Texas is opposed by some national traffic safety advocates, who say speed contributes to many crashes.
"That's not good news for safety," says Richard Retting, senior transportation engineer at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an industry group. "When states raise speed limits, they're trading lives for faster travel times."
But a study by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) found that 85% of drivers on the affected highways already drive 76-79 mph, says Carlos Lopez, the agency's traffic operations chief.
TxDOT has been studying the proposal since the Legislature last year authorized increasing the speed limit from 70 or 75 to 80 mph in 10 mostly rural counties.
The five-member Texas Transportation Commission, which has the final say, is expected to consider the proposal May 25, TxDOT spokesman Mike Cox says.
If it approves, the new speed limit would be posted within a week. "Our folks are working right now on fabricating signs," Lopez says.
The move comes amid soaring gas prices. The Department of Energy says that gas mileage drops sharply at speeds over 60 mph, and that drivers can assume that each 5 mph over 60 is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas.
American drivers have not seen a "Speed Limit 80" sign in more than three decades. The Kansas Turnpike had an 80-mph limit beginning in 1956, and Nevada and Montana had no numeric limits on some rural highways at times in the past. In 1974, Congress instituted a national 55-mph limit, which it lifted in 1995. States now set speed limits, even on federal highways. Thirteen states in the West and Midwest have 75-mph limits.
Some Texas officials oppose higher limits. "If the speed limit is raised to 80, everybody is going to be doing 85 or 90," says Hudspeth County Judge Becky Dean-Walker, the top elected official in one county facing the move to 80. "That's just human nature.":aok
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Think of the tax savings by allowing this speed limit.............
Now AWACS aircraft can patrol the interstates instead of super trooper behind the tree. (AWACS can spot any moving object going faster than 80 MPH as a matter of routine) :noid :noid :noid :noid :lol
Cthen
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In other words, 85% of the people already break the law so let's just do away with it.
Run that same argument over in the immigration thread and see how it goes. :aok
Back on topic... IMHO, gasoline obviously isn't expensive enough yet to compel drivers to slow down.
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Originally posted by Sandman
In other words, 85% of the people already break the law so let's just do away with it.
:rolleyes: thats not what they were arguing about
"That's not good news for safety," says Richard Retting, senior transportation engineer at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an industry group. "When states raise speed limits, they're trading lives for faster travel times."
they also cried about this when speed limits were raised from 55 to 65 and when speed limits where raised to 70
And the response is
But a study by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) found that 85% of drivers on the affected highways already drive 76-79 mph,[/u] says Carlos Lopez, the agency's traffic operations chief.
On IH-35 from Austin to San Antonio the speed limit is 70mph in most places, I do about 75 and I am regularly passed by cars going a lot faster.
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Houston to San Antonio is mostly 75mph. Made the run last Monday. No State Troopers on the way up, but loads of them on the way back. Made the round trip in 5 1/2 hours in a boxtruck with a governer set to 80mph.
I coulda gone faster.
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Whatever they raise the legal limit to, a large percentage will drive about 5 to 10 MPH over the limit. The reason is that the penalty for barely exceeding the speed limit is not very harsh, and the police don't want the hassle of writing so many tickets that will mostly be thrown out or not worth writing in the first place.
That said, if they raise the limit and then increase the base penalties for driving over the limit, the overall traffic would probably be better.
Why do we get a lot of traffic problems now? IMO, it's because the people who are driving the speed limit are causing the law breakers (Speeders) to tailgate, do a lot of lane changing, and driving more recklessly so they can drive the speed they want (5 - 10 MPH over the limit)
Make the speed limit 85... then make (AND ENFORCE) a law that says braking the speed limit is an AUTOMATIC suspension of driver's license for 7 days. 2nd offense, 30 days - 3rd offense 120 days.
It's not that the people who drive at the speed limit are scared to drive faster, it's that they believe it is the right thing to do. Give them a higher limit, and thy will drive it.
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Originally posted by Midnight
It's not that the people who drive at the speed limit are scared to drive faster,
Unless they are Asian women.
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Speed does not kill...Stupido drivers do however.
Anti-speed advocates are wasting their time..lol
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80mph...we all gona dieeeeee
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If anyone has ever driven 20 West to El Paso, they would agree that 80 to 85 limits would be a good thing. It is a very long, straight, and level stretch of highway, where nothing but the occasional tumbleweed traverses.
When I drove it, it was not uncommon to see people doing 90MPH. I usually drove it at 80MPH.
As far as the gas mileage goes, my current car gets 32MPG at 75MPH and 31MPG at 80MPH. At 60MPH, it gets 32MPG. Of course, if there is a very strong headwind, then all bets are off. But there is very little headwind on 20W. It's usually crosswinds that are the issue.
If they bump that puppy to 80MPH, I am going to have to take a trip. :D
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Sad thing is that high speeds don't kill people... its speed Differences!
If everyone drove 80mph we'd be ok... its when you find that person driving 45mph and people going 70 have gotta react.
Of course you can make the arguement well speed differences increase as people go faster... well duh! but we should allow everyone to go faster or institute lanes where there's a minimum speed 70mph.. etc.
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Originally posted by BlckMgk
Sad thing is that high speeds don't kill people... its speed Differences!
...
If we could only get the bridge abutments to go 80...
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I think most of the MPG statements are based on cars with poor aerodynamic qualities. If you drive a huge SUV with the aerodynamics of a brick wall, then yes, it takes a lot more power (hence less fuel economy) to go faster. However, if you are driving a small sporty car, there's not much difference in drag factors from 60 to 80 MPH
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People drive that fast on 635 anyway....
Or is it only for unpopulated areas?
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We need our own version of an autobahn for cross country travel, imo
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Originally posted by Sixpence
We need our own version of an autobahn for cross country travel, imo
Hell... if we had the same rules as the Autobahn, we'd be safer. AFAIK, passing on the right is absolutely not allowed and punishment is severe for doing so.
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Hehe, if we had Germany's licensing procedures, the roads would be far more safe than they are now.
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Originally posted by Skuzzy
Hehe, if we had Germany's licensing procedures, the roads would be far more safe than they are now.
As much as I would like the 80mph speed limit, there are a few cars (and driver's) I've seen that would be scarey at 80mph
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Originally posted by Sandman
In other words, 85% of the people already break the law so let's just do away with it.
Run that same argument over in the immigration thread and see how it goes. :aok
Back on topic... IMHO, gasoline obviously isn't expensive enough yet to compel drivers to slow down.
Cause and effect.
For over 20 years we haven't enforced our immigration laws. Why should I or anyone else give a damn about speed limits? We're looking more and more like Mexico.
On topic, people will drive 90+ when the limit is raised to 80.
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Originally posted by Midnight
I think most of the MPG statements are based on cars with poor aerodynamic qualities. If you drive a huge SUV with the aerodynamics of a brick wall, then yes, it takes a lot more power (hence less fuel economy) to go faster. However, if you are driving a small sporty car, there's not much difference in drag factors from 60 to 80 MPH
All else being equal, aerodynamic drag goes up to the square: 80 is 77% more aero drag than 60.
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I served 2 years in Germany with the US Army back in 1985 -1987. Back then IIRC a license took 2-3 months of school and a US$3,000.00 price. If you violated a law, license was revoked and you get reschooled/charged again. :aok :aok :aok
The US needs this same system in place. Sadly, we can't even teach them
SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT
and
Right of Way (question in the UK is it Left of Way?) :p
Cthen
Lawndarting near you soon!!!!!!!!
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,
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Whats the penalty for driving 141 mph on a 65mph highway? Or 125 on a 55mph 2 back country 2 laner?
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Originally posted by Sandman
In other words, 85% of the people already break the law so let's just do away with it.
I agree! Speed limits on wide open stretches of interstates are just stupid.
People that are overly cautious are the problem on our interstates..I mean come on..Driving below the speed limit in the left lane? Oh and ALL tractor trailers should by law have to stay in the right lane only..nothin worse than a Semi in the left lane holdin up traffic because he wants to go 1 mph faster than the other semi in the right lane doin 5 below the speed limit.
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Originaly... and to some extent today... speed limits are set by using the 85% rule... on any road... what speed do 85% of the people who drive it go? It is a rule that civil engineers use today.
As for milage... it is not just drag (although that is a big factor) but gearing. it is possible to have a car work harder at 60mph than at 80mph or... be in a more fuel efficient power band at 80 than 60. This is not as much true with computer controled fuel injection but still true.
lazs
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I20/10 definitely needs this to El Paso. I`m with Skuzz on this one. Nothing much out there to slow ya down besides that trooper who likes to lurk around Van Horn. :)
I always enjoy the increased speed limits on I90 in S.D.
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hehe Jackal,
i grew up in Van Horn, dont think i ever went anywhere unless i was going 90 mph. had a piece of broomstick i used for a cruise control in my 75 camero. what fun!
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one can drive those speeds on the autobahn because while speed limits aren't oftenly placed (they have changing speed limits in urban sections depending on traffic conditions) german drivers take driving seriously and they maintain good lane discipline. you just don't see a motorist in the left lane picking his nose at 80kph. I think they have laws prohibiting that and people are heavily fined for going slowly in the passing lane.
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Originally posted by storch
you just don't see a motorist in the left lane picking his nose at 80kph.
happens sometimes, nothing a little bumb draft can't cure though.
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Originally posted by storch
you just don't see a motorist in the left lane picking his nose at 80kph.
Oh I saw a few, most were driving VW diesel panel trucks. I did see one guy in a red porsche boxter doing about 140kph in a rainstorm while the rest of the traffic was doing about 90 - 100kph. We caught up to him a few miles down the road after he hit a Renault panel truck. Sheared the porsche in half.
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have they changed the laws then?
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cant say for sure, I was there 94-98 and about 90% of my driving was only on A-5, A-6 and A-8 and there always seemed to be a lot of traffic except on Sundays.
http://gettingaroundgermany.home.att.net/autobahn.htm#regs
Speed limits
Despite the widespread belief of complete freedom from speed limits (and a lobbying effort that has the same power and deep pockets as the American gun lobby), some speed regulations can be found on the Autobahns. Many sections do indeed have posted limits ranging from 80 to 120 km/h (50-75 mph), particularly those with dangerous curves, in urban areas, near major interchanges, or with unusually constant heavy traffic. In construction zones, the limit may be as low as 60 km/h (37 mph). Also, some sections now feature nighttime and wet-weather speed restrictions, and trucks are always regulated (see table below). Still, about half the Autobahn system has no speed limit, but there is always an advisory limit of 130 km/h (81 mph). This recommendation is generally seen for what it is-- an attempt by the government to cover itself without having to upset millions of Porsche and BMW owners (AKA voters.) However, if you exceed the advisory limit and are involved in an accident, you could be responsible for some of the damage costs even if you are not at fault.
Passing on the right is strictly prohibited! Slower vehicles must move to the right to allow faster traffic to pass, and drivers should stay in the right lane except to pass. When passing, you must do so as quickly as possible, and it's in your best interest to do so lest you become a hood ornament on that Porsche that was just a speck in your mirror a second ago and now is close enough for you to see the look of distain on the driver's face. You are, however, allowed to pass on the right in heavy traffic when vehicles have started queuing, but only at a slow speed.
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your still screwed ..unless the people driving in the rigth lane AND NOT PASSING anyone are allowed to continue to breath air ..we are still screwed..
I swear..the only thing that makes me want to punch and torture another driver is ...them..driving in the passing lane like an idiot
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Originally posted by BGBMAW
your still screwed ..unless the people driving in the rigth lane AND NOT PASSING anyone are allowed to continue to breath air ..we are still screwed..
I swear..the only thing that makes me want to punch and torture another driver is ...them..driving in the passing lane like an idiot
don't come to miami you'll blow a vein in your head for sure.
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I was in Germany from 86-93 always drove the autobahn. The worse was when the wall came down and all of the trabbi's come over. My god if they couldnt push 80km.
Nothing better then driving from Frankfurt to Schweabisch Hall in 58 minutes :D
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heh, those transportation department people should drive south of Jacksonville on I-95. I think most people on that hwy think the 95 is for the speed limit. I was doing 80+ and getting passed easily and quite often the few times I've been on it.
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Originaly... and to some extent today... speed limits are set by using the 85% rule... on any road... what speed do 85% of the people who drive it go? It is a rule that civil engineers use today.
I thought the 85th rule was 85% of the Engineered Speed of the highway set the limit.
There is a road out here that had a 25 mph speed limit. 4 Lane collector street. Bunch of the town hotshots ended up living their and wanted it basically for a private driveway instead of a main road.
I've known several people who got tickets and beat them by referencing the rule, as the road itself was designed for 45mph and they were doing 35.
That actually caused a major overhaul of the road, reducing it down to 2 lanes, with traffic calming items placed throughout the road.
5 Million spent on the short road, about 2 miles long. It "was" one of the best north/south collectors we had, now it really Is a private driveway. Shame that 5 million didn't get spent on the roads that have been potholed for 15 years :mad:
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We have the same thing happen around here ROC. You can tell when one of the local politicians moves. The timings of the lights are set so they can traverse thier regular path much faster and easier.
My Wife discovered a local politician's path and while it is longer for her to drive, it is much faster and safer, as all the lights happen to hit green just as you approach the intersection when traveling 5MPH over the speed limit.
She is going to find out who it is so she can vote for them in the next elections. Can't beat em, join em.
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Originally posted by Nifty
heh, those transportation department people should drive south of Jacksonville on I-95. I think most people on that hwy think the 95 is for the speed limit. I was doing 80+ and getting passed easily and quite often the few times I've been on it.
there's an old joke around here about some cubans that got pulled over on I-95 for speeding. the motorist says to the FHP "I wasn't speeding the speed limit is 95" The trooper politely explains the 95 designates the route and not the limit. The motorist accepts his fine goes to his car and says to his wife "I'm sure glad he didn't stop me on the 195"
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Originally posted by Sandman
In other words, 85% of the people already break the law so let's just do away with it.
Run that same argument over in the immigration thread and see how it goes. :aok
Back on topic... IMHO, gasoline obviously isn't expensive enough yet to compel drivers to slow down.
Mind your own business Cali.
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Originally posted by Slash27
Mind your own business Cali.
I don't think so. :p
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On Highway 69 here in Alabama the speed limit is lickity split.
Les
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Originally posted by NattyIced
Unless they are Asian women.
*Homers voice on*
Mmmmm Asian women.....
*Homers voice off*
:aok
Mac
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Originally posted by Leslie
On Highway 69 here in Alabama the speed limit is lickity split.
Les
Was there a PUN intended here? :rofl
Mac
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Last trip to Germany a few weeks ago my boss was taking me back ot the airport and we were doing 230-240 Kmh in his BMW 5 series 6 speed wagon on the autobahn to the airport. We were following a 911 and Audi S8 up to the airport.
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Does anyone detect any irony in the desire to save fuel / conserve given the price of fuel vs the idea that raising the speed limit is a good thing?
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no sandie... the 85% that are "breaking the law" are citizens. Got to keep that in the equation. Also, as you can see, the 85% rule can lower the limits.
lazs
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Originally posted by Maverick
Does anyone detect any irony in the desire to save fuel / conserve given the price of fuel vs the idea that raising the speed limit is a good thing?
:aok
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It would seem to me that if people were informed at what speed they would get the best milage then the cost to them and personal choice... and of course.... safe speed limits based on road condition would dictate how fast they drove.
as it should be.
lazs
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Laz,
If there was but one or two vehicles on the road at any time that might be applicable. That situation doesn't exist however.
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To be honest I havn't read the whole thread so these points my have allready been made.
1. In Texas almost all interstates/highways have a seperate Daytime/nightime speed
2. Semis will blow tires at a greater rate with higher highway speeds. If you've never been next to or behind a semi when they blow a tire you are missing out on a sphinter clenching moment.\
3. My jeep barely goes 65MPH safely ;)
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mav... I agree... traffic would be a "road condition" tho.
lazs
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
2. Semis will blow tires at a greater rate with higher highway speeds. If you've never been next to or behind a semi when they blow a tire you are missing out on a sphinter clenching moment.
It's a total madness to have the same limits for them. Don't you have separate limits to different class of vehicles in the US? The limit here for trucks over 3.5 tons is 50 mph and they all have governors. It's a bit slow for a freeway, but I rather have it this way than semis going 80 mph.
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Originally posted by mora
It's a total madness to have the same limits for them. Don't you have separate limits to different class of vehicles in the US? The limit here for trucks over 3.5 tons is 50 mph and they all have governors. It's a bit slow for a freeway, but I rather have it this way than semis going 80 mph.
The semis are already doing 80mph along with the rest of the traffic in Texas. I have mixed feelings about increasing the speed limit to 80. Many already drive 80+ on roads where the limit is 60mph. Increase the limit to 80 and many will be doing 90+. A lot of people and cars could likely drive that fast safely but there will be many still doing it that can't.
Do you really want to drive beside some, uh, person, doing 90mph while they're behind the wheel looking in their vanity mirror putting on makeup? Don't think it won't happen, I see it often.
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Cars in texas should have at a minimum a .30cal fixed forward firing MG. Semi's should be allowed tailgunners. Pickups, SUV's and light trucks.. .50's or 20mm
Solve the idiot driver, immigration and population explosion problem.
don't forget to put on yer seatbelt.
:D
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Having driven in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth and San Antonio, I can't for the life of me figure out why those who live there are allowed to operate anything that moves. At ANY speed. :O
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Originally posted by Gunslinger
2. Semis will blow tires at a greater rate with higher highway speeds. If you've never been next to or behind a semi when they blow a tire you are missing out on a sphinter clenching moment.
A sidenote. Most of these you see are recaps on the drive axle and trailer tires.
These are used by some companies in an effort to save money.
Pretty dangerous in places such as Texas where the temps reach so high,
In mid-summer when the temps of the pavement reach so high, caps will come apart faster than Chairboy at a Revival. :D