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From: alanj@orca.UUCP (Alan Jeddeloh)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Re: 65 MPH?
Message-ID: <2021@orca.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 14-Mar-86 12:13:07 EST
Article-I.D.: orca.2021
Posted: Fri Mar 14 12:13:07 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 16-Mar-86 08:35:16 EST
References: <152@ttidcc.UUCP> <567@mhuxl.UUCP> <315@ptsfb.UUCP>
Reply-To: alanj@orca.UUCP (Alan Jeddeloh)
Organization: Tektronix, Wilsonville OR
Lines: 33

RE: specifically, 90 mph posted speeds

Oregon used to post sections of Interstate 80N (now designated I84) at
80 mph.  This was on the long, straight, flat sections of high desert in
Eastern Oregon.

Oregon used to also distinguish between a "posted speed" or "basic speed"
posting and a "speed limit".  A sign that said "Speed Limit 55" was just
that ... illegal to exceed.  If the sign said "Basic Speed 55" (or even
just "Speed 55", exceeding 55 was considered *prima facie* evidence of
violation of the "Basic Rule", i.e. Thou shalt not drive faster than
conditions warrant.  (Prima facie means sufficient to convict in the
absence of other evidence).

I remember a case back about '69 when a guy was ticketed for doing 80
on I5 between Grants Pass and Medford.  The posted speed was 70.  The
judge asked the officer what the conditions were: clear, dry, sunny, no
other traffic, and threw the case out of court with the comment:  "I
drive 80 of to Medford all the time."

Note that the Basic Rule is a two-edged sword; it can also be used to
nail you for doing 50 in a "55" zone if, for example, there is ice
and fog.

Personally, I figure if everybody's passing me, I'm going too slow.  If
*nobody's* passing me, I'm going too fast.  Apparently the state police
agree with me, I've never gotten a ticket for speeding (knock on wood).
(I did get a verbal warning once for 60 in a 45 ... )

	-Alan Jeddeloh
	Tektronix GWD
	Wilsonville, OR
	tektronix!orca!alanj