Some Truths about SPEEDING

On Sunday the S&E gave us the following editorial
Keeping kids, and parents safe from buses

Is speeding really the problem that the S&E has portrayed it as, not just today but every time they see an opportunity to write about it?

What did the police that were interviewed for the S&E series of articles on Speeding and Cut throughs several years ago have to say about it.
Chief Cronin from Fitchburg, "People would call and say these cars are speeding. Sometimes it is not true...."
Chief Charette from Southbridge. "We really can't afford to spend eight hours of overtime to wait and catch one speeding driver out of every 200 that pass,"

Most people believe that:

• the speed limit in front of their house is too high
• the speed limit in front of your house is too low
• the police don't spend enough time enforcing the limit in front of their house
• the police spend too much time enforcing the limit in front of your house
• raised sidewalks, stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, and painted crosswalks make roads safer.

All the above are common misconceptions.

The truth is that the vast majority of drivers travel at speeds that are reasonable and prudent. As often as not, that is higher than the posted limit because the speed limit is posted below what it should be. Studies also show that raising or lowering the posted limit by 10 MPH results in less than a 1 MPH change in average speeds.

Surprised?

Want to see how proper speed limits are set? Read here How Are Speed Limits Established

Care to see how they're making roads safer in other countries and in a few innovative cities here in the US? Read on at Naked Streets.