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?

  • rowansprig@leminal.space
    11·
    6 days ago

    We use automated speed cameras here in Australia, and mostly everyone adheres exactly to the speed limit. Just knowing that there could be a speed camera keeps certain people law abiding.

    If you do get a fine erroneously you can contest it in traffic court.

    • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
      4·
      6 days ago

      We use automated speed cameras here in Australia, and mostly everyone adheres exactly to the speed limit

      I don’t live in Oz, but a recent news report would suggest it contradicts your statement. Camera revenue in NSW alone explodes as fines reach $308 million, which is than $39 million increase over last year. If your statement matched the current situation, fines would be reducing, but instead they’re increasing.

      Total annual revenue from speed and road safety cameras across Australia exceeds $1 billion.

      Speed and red light cameras don’t appear to be a traffic safety system, but instead a revenue generation channel for the state.

      • rowansprig@leminal.space
        2·
        6 days ago

        Mm, I meant the experience of being a driver on the road is that people tend to be driving about the speed limit. I remember when I was in Canada most everyone would instead drive 10-15 over. Which I guess isn’t really a problem if they set the limits lower to account for it… I’m just a fan of clear instructions so this is my preference.

        It is true that it is a revenue generation system. I honestly don’t feel bad about it though. Speeding is dangerous.

        • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
          1·
          5 days ago

          I honestly don’t feel bad about it though. Speeding is dangerous.

          But the system isn’t stopping the speeding. If you concern is that speeding is dangerous, Australia currently has a system in place the costs residents huge amounts of money but does nothing to stop the speeding. The data is showing its increasing even! The system in place seems to be making speeding worse and more prevalent.