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From: alien@gcc-opus.ARPA (Alien Wells)
Newsgroups: net.auto,net.legal,net.politics
Subject: Re: Laws Nobody Obeys ARE NEEDED ??
Message-ID: <136@gcc-opus.ARPA>
Date: Sun, 11-Nov-84 22:27:44 EST
Article-I.D.: gcc-opus.136
Posted: Sun Nov 11 22:27:44 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 13-Nov-84 01:27:47 EST
References: <420@hogpd.UUCP>
Reply-To: alien@gcc-opus.UUCP (Alien Wells)
Organization: General Computer Company, Cambridge Ma (creators of Ms. Pacman)
Lines: 50
Nf-ID: gcc-opus net.auto:71 net.legal:16 net.politics:296
Summary: 

>>>>   [stuff about laws such as prohibition, 55mph speed limit, rules
>>>> against cursing under penalty of dismissal, etc.   ED]
>
>>You have a very sick and short sighted view of society.  It is human
>>nature to push the limits.  We feel we need to show our independence.
>>But we still need safeguards to protect the rights and safety of
>>our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones.

May I point out that 55 was not instituted as a safety measure, but an oil
conservation measure after the embargo (and a temporary measure at that).

May I also point out that one of Reagan's campaign promises in 1980 was to
eliminate this restriction on the federal level, and go back to letting each
state choose for itself (he gave this up after an outroar started from Nader
and Democrats, he figured cutting spending was more important to use his
brownie points on).

May I finally point out that the statistics have consistently shown that 55 
has indeed saved lives, but very few of them on interstates.  The interstates
are, and always have been, the safest highways in the world.  Almost all of
the safety increase came from state highways, much more dangerous roads that
often had speed limits of 75 (or even none).  Well over 50% of the deaths on
interstates are caused by drunk driving.  The vast majority of interstate
accidents involve only a single car.

I don't think that 55 on interstates can be justified on the basis of safety.
The roads were designed for 80 with 1960's American station wagons, the speed
limits were being kept artificially low due to a conservative fear of the new
technology, even before 55.  As long as they are by far the safest roads we
have, we should encourage their use by making them more convienient and faster.
This would also cut down on congestion (as anyone understanding queuing theory
would see).

To those who say 'saving a single life would be worth the lower speed limit',
I reply 'lower it to 25 and strictly enforce it!'.  Not only would drunks be
driving too slow to kill themselves, but people would take the back roads and
avoid the interstates!  This would do wonders for the interstate death toll!!
( :-{) )

Of course, everyone knows the real reason 55 is being currently supported is 
that it is a very large cash source for the state governments.  Rhode Island
now has a law giving a $100 fine and a mandantory court appearance for anything
65 or over.  They also stiff you for another $200 since you have to post $200
bail to get out of the state, and, face it, you aren't likely to come back for
the court date.

					Alien

PS:  Sorry to multiply post this, but all of the original messages were
multiply posted ...