We’ve all heard the argument that speed limits, and the associated fine structure for exceeding them, are little more than revenue generators for cash-strapped localities. Law enforcement officials tend to point to ever-decreasing traffic fatalities as proof that their methods of tailoring driver behavior work. According to USA Today, there’s some validity to those claims. The paper reports that last year, the number of deaths on U.S. roadways were at a low that we haven’t seen since the 1950s, even though there are many more drivers behind the wheel compared with 60 years ago. But considering that the approach to curbing speeding really hasn’t changed since the first automobile tire touched pavement, the decrease in deaths is just as likely as attributable to safer vehicles as it is the expert issuing of traffic citations. One politician in Nevada seems to think that speed isn’t nearly as dangerous as everyone is making out. Eugene DiSimone wants to offer anyone who wants to speed up to 90 mph the option to do so legally -- for a small fee, that is.
You see, like most states, Nevada is facing a fairly severe budget crunch this year, and DiSimone seems to think that drivers would be more than willing to hand over $25 -- easily paid via cell phone, no less -- to both line the state’s coffers and get where they’re going a little quicker.
Needless to say, the Nevada State Police oppose such a plan, saying it would lead to increased traffic fatalities and injuries. Maybe so. The state already has a posted speed limit of 75 mph on most stretches of its interstate highway system, so we have to wonder if an extra 15 mph is going to make the difference.
It raises the question: How much would you pay to scoot along without worry of interference from law enforcement?
Member: 5095 
Forum: 2322
News: 27
Blog: 16
Downloads: 18
Comments: 5