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June 15, 2005
Speed limits enforced in Minnesota
“Metro area speed enforcement crackdown launched”
This article explained how agencies are going to become stricter with speed limits on the road. The article stated that most agencies allow motorists to go about 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. If they were over this, they usually pulled them over. They have decided to become stricter now with speeding because statistics shows that summer is the most dangerous time for accidents when it comes to speeding. “From 1999 to 2003, illegal or unsafe speed contributed to 875 deaths on Minnesota roads, costing the state an estimated $891 million, according to the department of public safety” (Associated Press). There is currently about 42 states that will not pull vehicles over if they are under 10 miles per hour that is posted.
Our group had a great discussion. We talked about how many of us go over the posted speed limit. We also discussed how it may upset some people about the stricter law, but those who have lost someone due to a speeding driver would feel different. One thing we talked about is how people speed up at stop light to make the light before it turns red. Now, at some lights they have signs posted and when the signs start to flash lights, then that means you will not have time to make it through the light.
Comments
Really? I haven't seen those flashing-light intersections. Can you (Dianna) or anyone else think of an example? This evening I'm going to see a friend of mine's band play in downtown Mpls, so I'll keep my eye out for those.
Posted by: Clancy, not a leadfoot herself at June 15, 2005 10:03 PM
I've seen these signs in Anoka, Elk River and Zimmerman. They are really nice and helpful because then you don't have to try and speed up to make the light and then slam on your brakes at the last moment. They are nice to have.
Posted by: Dianna at June 16, 2005 9:14 AM
I have not seen the flashing lights, but they would nice to have. This, of course, is from someone that does speed up in order to make lights on a regular basis. Also, this was a great reminder that I should not be speeding. I admit that I am 'lead foot' ... after all, I come from a family of race car drivers and fanatics!
Posted by: Debbie at June 16, 2005 9:59 AM
I do not really agree with the State’s interpretation of the statistics. In the article, the State says that people speeding causes the higher number of accidents. This maybe true but isn't it also true that a lot more people drive in the summer. The simple fact that more people are driving may account for the higher accident numbers. Just a thought.
Posted by: Chuck at June 17, 2005 6:01 PM
To myself the flashing lights make no difference at all. It just gives you the info that you need to stop or that you can go that much sooner. If people are set on running a red light they will whether or not the stoplight is red or the lights are flashing before hand. Waste of MONEY!!!!!! From my experience they cause more problems. People just try and beat the flashing lights instead of red lights.
Posted by: Shannon at June 19, 2005 1:42 PM