To the editor:
Why do you think there is going to be an increase in accidents if the speed limit is increased to 70 mph on state highways? Please show me the facts.
Recall that the speed limit was 70 mph until the government changed it to 55 mph in 1973 due to oil embargo, and the recent increase to 70 mph on the Ohio turnpike showed a decrease in accidents. This decrease was also seen in other states when the speed limit was increased years ago when the government relaxed the 55 mph limit. Why? Because when cars are going at different speeds on multilane highways, it causes more accidents when the speed limit is set below the inherent speed limit of the road. If the speed limit is too slow, some cars will be observing the low limit but others will be going faster and all about the same speed, unless there are police in sight, and this difference in speed is very dangerous.
With the handling and braking of the cars and truck of today, compared to those in the 1950s, the speed limit of some roads should be 85 to 90 mph. The purpose of roads is to get from one place to the next as quickly and safely as possible, and setting one arbitrary speed limit for all roads does not make sense. It would be more scientific if no speed limit was initially posted and then the speed monitored to determine the inherent speed limit and then set it accordingly rather than rely on the government to set an arbitrary one. Of course if you really want to make all highways fender-bender safe, why not just set the speed limit for all highways at 25 mph? Heck you'll even save money by using the same signs everywhere.
Tom Galownia
Island Creek Township
