1. Why does everyone drive 10-15 miles above the speed limit?

  2. Why don’t we raise the speed limit if that’s how fast everyone wants to go?

  3. Why is traffic enforcement given to very expensive and ineffective police instead of cheaper and more automated traffic cameras?

  4. Why do we refuse to ever use ANY traffic calming measures? Yes, than you flashing digital sign for telling me I’m going 10 miles above the limit on this incredibly wide and straight and flat road with high curbs and perfect visibility.

It’s a serious confusion I have about how society is supposed to operate because it seems like a complete and total breakdown of logic and sense.

And, yes, I know there’s some thing people did long ago to set the speed limit at some percentile of what people were already traveling at, but that’s obviously a stupid way to do it and we did it anyway. So why?

  • bigmclargehuge@lemmy.zipEnglish
    778·
    9 days ago

    Cops want it that way.

    In the USA, you can follow the average driver on a 10 minute drive and they’ll technically commit at least 1 infraction. My FIL got a $90 ticket last month for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign.

    The rules of the road are so anally technical so that cops have a valid reason to pull you over whenever they desire. That’s it.

      • bigmclargehuge@lemmy.zip
        4611·
        9 days ago

        You’re coming to a 4 way stop. No one is around. You slow to approx 3 mph, then move through as no one is around. That’s pretty fucking anal

      • thebestaquaman@lemmy.world
        20·
        9 days ago

        Stop signs in the US are so damn common you guys invented the “rolling stop”. Outside the US I think I’ve met like ten stop-signs total. You can bet your ass I’m coming to a complete stop when I see one, since they’re so rare I know they’re there for a good reason.

        For some reason the US decided to put stop signs all the places everyone else just has a “yield” sign (unsure of the proper English term, but it’s the upside down triangle indicating you have to yield to any other traffic), or just ordinary right-hand rule with no sign at all.

        • vorpuni@tarte.nuage-libre.frFrançais
          9·
          9 days ago

          Come to France, they love useless stop signs. Then a random village has 9 intersections where you have to yield right and you can’t see shit.

          But also don’t use French roads they’re covered in illegal speed bumps with inconsistent sizes not conformant with international standards for clearance of road vehicles, random illegal obstacles pretending to be “traffic calming” and no enforcement of actual rules that improve safety like speed limits in towns, safety distances and phone use.

    • schipelblorp@sh.itjust.worksOP
      131·
      9 days ago

      Yeah, a big part of the reason I don’t go over the limit anymore is to limit my interaction with cops. I don’t do well with social interactions and these motherfuckers are likely to find me suspiscious. So I drive the speed limit and just plan to invoke my right to remain silent.

        • schipelblorp@sh.itjust.worksOP
          51·
          9 days ago

          Well, they can always make up some bullshit, the thing is not to let them go on fishing expeditions. Assert your right to remain silent to any questions, ask them what the purpose of the stop was, and ask them if you’re free to go.

          Of course, they can always “smell marijuana” if they want. I’m very frustrated with how cars are automatic excuse to violate your rights, and I already fucking hated cars.

          • kestrel7_7@lemmy.world
            3·
            8 days ago

            I knew i wasn’t crazy when my friend who is a lawyer said he was starting to take the bus to work because driving cars opens one up to too much liability.