A Meditation on the Speed Limit

Status: Civil Disobedience Prank
image In order to demonstrate the stupidity of the 55 mph speed limit, four Atlanta students pulled a dangerous stunt: they all drove exactly 55 mph on the highway, in a line, thereby blocking the flow of traffic and creating an enormous traffic jam. Check out the video of it. I realize the students thought they were doing something clever, but as I watched the video I found myself getting more and more angry at them. It was like experiencing road rage while sitting behind a computer. I kept imagining the people in the blocked traffic who probably had to get to work, or wanted to get home, and who were instead being held up by these idiots and their road block.

Anyway, their argument — that their experiment proves the absurdity of the 55 mph law — is flawed. It didn't prove that at all. All it proved is that if you form a rolling blockade, it's going to create a traffic jam. It would have had the same effect at 65 mph. Plus, it's definitely against the law to form a blockade like they did. Only the police are allowed to do that. So they weren't actually obeying the law.

I realize that pranks are supposed to be obnoxious and annoy some people. But delaying innocent commuters, and creating a situation in which people could easily have gotten hurt as anger escalated, just doesn't seem quite right to me. Though this is probably the angry driver inside of me feeling that way. (One more thing: at the beginning of the video they misspell the word obedience.)

Update: Some quick googling, and I found the section of Georgia law (code 40-6-40, section D) that applies to what they did:

No two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this Code section shall not be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes because of congested traffic conditions.

So it was illegal, and they made a video of themselves doing it. Not too smart.

Update 2: David Spear, a spokesman for the Atlanta Police Department, has been quoted as saying that what the students did was legal:

David Spear, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said if the students weren't blocking emergency vehicles and were going the speed limit, "they didn't do a thing wrong." Spear added that the speed limit was lowered to 55 because it saves lives. "In Atlanta, the actual effect of it is we expect the people going 75 to move over so the people going 95 can have the right of way," he said.

So I guess I was wrong. Though I'm still having a hard time understanding how it can be legal, when the code referenced above seems to state that it's not legal.

Law/Police/Crime

Posted on Wed Mar 01, 2006



Comments

Eddie said, "All they did was prove themselves to be hazards on the road, as bad as those lawbreakers they claim to be revealing. Instead of having free flowing...traffic, they created an nonsensical and plainly hazardous traffic jam..."

Well then, that was their point. If everyone travelled at the posted speed limit, there would be a hazardous traffic jam. They could not have proved that without creating the "blockade" first. They've proved that if you don't want a jam of "legal" drivers like that again, raise the speed limit.

I know that it wasn't the safest of ideas (you can see in the video that they thought so too), but their method had the most impact. There's nothing like a sea of honking cars that would make a city counciller change their mind.
Posted by Rig  on  Tue Mar 07, 2006  at  08:51 AM
"No two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this Code section shall not be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes because of congested traffic conditions."

Notice the words: "normal flow" in legal-speak is not referring to the way people normally drive, rather it is refering to the speed limit. These kids were driving at the legal speed limit therefore were not impeding the "normal flow" of traffic. They technically were not in violation of this code.
Posted by 911Pro  on  Tue Mar 07, 2006  at  08:53 AM
For those who argue that following the speed limit can block emergency vehicles...

Let's be real here. When a firetruck or ambulance puts on the blinkers, what do you do? You slow down and pull over. That's what the road shoulders are for (instead of having the firetrucks drive on them). You get off the center of the road to make way for the emergency vehicles, regardless how fast you're driving or how many cars you're driving with. How are these students potentially blocking emergency vehicles? I don't see it.

On the other hand, who hasn't see an accident on the highway, and for miles the traffic slows down JUST TO WATCH? People brake below half the speed limit to entertain themselves with upside-down cars that might not even be on the same side of the road, causing huge blockades for no good reason. Then when common drivers like you and me finall roll to the accident scene we take our share of look too before accelerating back up to the normal speed, making ourselves part of the blame for the blockade. And we accuse these students for driving legal speed?
Posted by King of Math  on  Tue Mar 07, 2006  at  09:42 AM
Funny thing, because when I lived in Atlanta I always used to think of doing exactly that.
55MPH is rediculously slow that it is dangenrous to drive at that speed.
Posted by AAB  on  Tue Mar 07, 2006  at  10:12 AM
What, if anything, does this have to do with hoaxes?
Posted by Cardinal Feng  on  Tue Mar 07, 2006  at  10:59 AM
I doubt that before this incident, there is ANYONE who even knew about the "Two abreast law". I dont think they did anything wrong. I dont know how long they held the joke going for but as long as it was in reason and a motorists were little more than annoyed, no harm was done. They actually prevented all the people behind them from breaking the law so hey, they could be considered a benifit to society.
Posted by captainc  on  Tue Mar 07, 2006  at  03:40 PM
Awesome video...I salute them...I think people that drive 55mph on I-285 for more than 5 minutes should be vaporized immediately and come back as a piece of gum stuck to I-285 so I can legally run over them everyday! As you can tell I travel on I-285 every freakin day and have paid for probably one quadrant of that stupid loop with tickets. Getting a ticket for doing 63 on a freakin interstate...give me a break! The only thing worse than a 55mph driver is the construction crews that like to leave their step ladders and paint cans in the middle of the road. Sad thing is most of the time when they fall off the truck...the truck is doing f-ing 55!!! And yes, I have a slight case of road rage! I am in therapy...lol!
Posted by Anti55club  on  Wed Mar 08, 2006  at  08:44 AM
I think these kids were brilliant. I'm so sick of everyone speeding aroung everywhere like its their god-given right or something. If you are going to be late, leave your house sooner and drive the speed limit.Thousands of people are killed every year in car accidents and excessive speed is a common factor. Accidents also lead to an increase in insurance rates. So all of you with lead feet out there,SLOW THE HELL DOWN! It'll save lives and money.
Posted by Joe Q  on  Wed Mar 08, 2006  at  01:19 PM
The argument about emergency vehicles is ignorant. "Move to the right for sirens and lights!" Cars would have had to move out of the "passing" lane in order to give right away to emergency vehicles whether they are in rush hour traffic or not. Get a grip people, read your Rules of the Road manuals every now and then.
Posted by Aug  on  Wed Mar 08, 2006  at  07:22 PM
I could get into all the technicallities of the arguement about whether the speed limit should be 55 or 75, but that isn't the real issue here.

The real issue is the 'stunt' pulled. First of all, it wasn't a "stunt" or "prank" it was a PROTEST. A stunt or prank is done with the purpose of annoying people. These kids had no way of knowing that driving the exact speed limit would cause the traffic jam that it did. They had a theory that the 55 speed limit was not being followed or enforced and that if it were, problems would occur. I believe they proved their theory rather well.

The repeated cries from people here saying the students should be punished really shocks me. Punished for what? For pointing out a flawed system? There can be no denial that the system is flawed because either the 55 mph limit is unreasonable or no one is following it. Either way, there is a problem which needs addressing. (as a side note, if all of the traffic had been driving 55, or even a couple of miles over/under, there would have never been a jam, simple science proves that)

Citizens have not only the right but the DUTY to stand up and protest laws that are unfair or unequal. I applaud these students for there ingenutiy and success at proving their point (even if it is missed by most).

To all of you who think "these kids had NO RIGHT to be out there causing problems," I recommend a reading of Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobediance." Martin Luther King, Jr. found it quite enlightening.
Posted by Sole  on  Wed Mar 08, 2006  at  08:26 PM
Oh wow. I really didn't mean to climb on a soapbox. It just frustrates me how easily society is led around like a bull by the nose ring. Whether or not you aggree with what these students did, NO ONE should bash them for protesting. (should have just said that and saved some time with the first post, hehe)
Posted by Sole  on  Wed Mar 08, 2006  at  08:28 PM
First of all they should learn how to spell "obedience"!!
Posted by Nigel Pond  on  Thu Mar 09, 2006  at  11:28 AM
Nigel: if 'First of all they should learn how to spell "obedience"!!' is all you can say about this video, you're missing something.
Posted by Becca  on  Thu Mar 09, 2006  at  10:54 PM
There are actually two sides to this capricious stand taken on by some very brave young adults. We live in the ROAD RAGE ERA where the car horn has become the latest & greatest of most popular instruments played by 95% of the American populous & the automobile has become the second greatest deadly weapon, next to the cell phone used in an automobile.... all it takes to load the weapon is a stressed out self serving person to utilize both. When stretched for time or running late it is so amazing how long one minute, 60 small seconds takes to tick away, and instead of monitering the true time that has actually passed, a driver would prefer to expound on a false time that causes them to become truly pissed & justifies the egregious maneuvers that ensue in their fully loaded weapons.
Had it not been found out or disclosed that these three vehichles were driving in tandem, there were no laws broken. The most malicious violation committed by these teens was their obvious open show of enjoyment in a well planned experiment. Everyone in an automobile has the right to drive in any lane on a highway at the posted speed. The only violation would be a truck using the left lane (except for passing) which we all know they have been doing for years.
The other (and larger problem) is the resistance of local law officials to compassionately work with the public in making changes when a problem is identified instead of feeling as though we are attempting to usurp their athority. Enforcing laws is the easiest part, working to change those laws that are antiquated, outdated, or flawed is the real job. Most people who stick their necks out to identify a need for change or improvement are merely asking for the help & assistance of those that we rely on to make change.
The unfortunate part of this act is that all it seemed to do was cause a mass outpouring of irritated civillians............ nice job guys. Keep trying & good luck!
Posted by Brian S Pandora  on  Sun Mar 12, 2006  at  01:28 PM
One last thing befor someone spell checks my work or comments on the impossibility to live in closer proximity to their job, thus forcing them to drive lengthy distances, our family has a 4 generational history in the Police/Law enforcement community. Who knows better than someone who's pay is docked for showing up 1-2 minutes late for briefing how important time travel is. In this house we have one adult enforcing the law & another (a Registered Nurse) who benneficently argues to change, those needing them, on a regular basis in ways that may cause conflict..... and yes we have remained very happily married for 20 years...... just FYI. Keep up the good work guys, if you are really committed to the cause....... just stay within the laws!
Posted by Brian S Pandora  on  Sun Mar 12, 2006  at  01:43 PM
I am the dad of of of the young people who organized the demonstration and produced the video. I admit to not having been thrilled with the idea, but neither I nor my wife could find anything about it that was clearly illegal. I'm an ex-cop, a former magistrate, a former police legal advisor, a law enforcement instructor, and remain a member of the Georgia Bar. For her part, my wife still practices law, and, earlier in her career, was a substitute judge for the local traffic court. I ran it by some friends who are still on the job, and they weren't sure, either.

There are some details that were left out or incorrectly stated in the news stories, and which, arguably, settle the question of legality.

First, while there is a GA code section that prohibits driving abreast and interfering with the flow of traffic, the kids tried to maintain a staggered formation, and for the most part succeeded. Technically, that would not violate the code section cited by our webmaster.

Second, there is a more specific GA code section that deals with interfering with the flow of traffic, failing relinquish the left lane, etc., but it specifies that this applies only to vehicles traveling below the speed limit. By normal rules of construction, this would mean a vehicle moving at or slightly above the speed limit may hold its lane.

Third, although it does not bear directly on the legality of what they did, it is worth noting that everyone inovolved had been instructed, reminded, and reminded again to put spread the word if they saw or heard any indication that an emergency vehilce, so that the drivers could immediately begin to move the right lanes.

Four, although some stories said the kids drove the entire I-285 perimeter, during rush hour, they actually drove past only a few exits, and at 11:00 AM, an non-peak time. They were more interested in making a point than in ruining anyone's day, and, besides, we all DREAM of being able to drive at the speed limit during an Atlanta rush hour.
Posted by Ed Medlin  on  Sun Mar 12, 2006  at  04:20 PM
I believe a local Atlanta TV station did a similar experiment not to long ago. They had a white van with some sort of ID on the roof and was tracked by the stations chopper. Clearly, doing 55 in Atlanta is far more dangerous than doing 85. I do not have theactual statistical data handy, but I think the documented average speed on Atlanta highways (75, 85, 285, 400, etc;.) is around mid 70's.

I think with car technology today (ABS braking and suspension to mention a couple)it is comfortable and managble to operate in the 70 - 80 mph range. Frankly I am afraid to drive much slower than 80 in the left lane.

The bottom line is "show me the money" that state and local police are really after. When getting a ticket it is the usual public safety pitch when they hand the citation to you. Alpharetta is a good example of rountine "predatory" speed traps with 6 - 10 police vehicles on 400. In the mean time, thieves are cleaning electronics out of cars at North Point Mall, great police work guys. Make revenue while citizens cars are getting wiped clean of PC's, stereo's, phones, iPODS and anything else these social thugs can get a hold of.

My motto, keep it under 100 and conduct a random act of kindness when you have the chance.
Posted by Tim  on  Fri Mar 17, 2006  at  11:30 AM
In response to Rick
Posted by ihop4no1  on  Tue Mar 21, 2006  at  01:00 AM
I watched the video. It was great. I spent the next half hour reading all of the arguing. I love it when people argue.

They were doing 55 MPH just like they were supposed to. I see no problem with that. They slowed down all of the other cars to the speed limit. This caused everyone behind them to get mad, but only because they normally did about 75. If all the cars always did exactly 55, the blockade would not have caused any change in the traffic flow. However, the drivers behind them could not get speeding tickets, so they should have been grateful.

They were in congested traffic, so the "two abreast" rule does not apply.

If they got 500 more students and created blockades all along the highway, the traffic flow would improve considerably.

They did not block emergency vehicles. If an emergency vehicle came, they would have let it by. This would require them to speed (see below) but, AFAIK, you are allowed to speed to let an emargency vehicle through.

To let the cars behind them through, they would have to speed, because it's impossible to pass another car without speeding or the other car slowing down. The other cars could not slow down, so one of them would have to speed. Therefore, they were legally required to stay where they were.

So, what they did was perfectly fine.
Posted by Ian  on  Sat Apr 01, 2006  at  02:52 AM
Normal flow of traffic is 55 or less, the law doesn't assume people habitually exceed the speed limit... they did a good thing and it should be done everywhere, especially near state capitals just before legislative sessions.

No two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this Code section shall not be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes because of congested traffic conditions.
Posted by Eric  on  Mon Apr 03, 2006  at  05:48 AM
I just can't get over how all of you still don't get it. The reason why 55 is the speed limit is because nobody drives it. This gives the police the power to pullover anyone they want AKA PROFILING. There are names for these kinds of laws. Loudmouth laws or lippie laws. All they do is give the police power to do what they want. Just like when anyone lips off to a cop they have some minor infraction that they can take you to jail for. This is all about police having power to do what they want. Think about it when we raise the speed limit or say we don't want to have police pull anyone over who is the first ones to start cying about it? The cops!!! What we are doing is taking power away from the cops. Many people would argue that this is a revanue issue. No once again if we want to crack down on speeders and use the money for revanue then we would put up cameras everywhere and catch THOUSANDS of speeders but instead we spend money on having cops sit by the road at $35000 a year and pull over one car every hour and give them a tickiet for 50 bucks. By the time you write the ticket and do all the paperwork and pay the cop the car and all the overhead its more expensive to have cops sit next to the road and pull people over. This brings cops to profiling which has been a problem for years. It has been proven that black males get more tickets than any other group. I would much rather have the cops doing real work rather than profiling people and taking rights away from citizens. Lets raise the speedlimit and put in cameras. Lets get these effin cops to do something rather than abuse there power and status. Take the power Back!!!
Posted by Matt  on  Mon Apr 03, 2006  at  12:20 PM
It is legal to "accelerate" while passing, not speed. I think that what those guys did was awesome, and it should be done more to show how stupid the speed limits are to be that low, and let people break it without getting a ticket.

They by no means did not break a law. Yes, they drove side by side, but they "couldn't" go any faster by law. The normal flow of traffic should be at, or below the posted speed limit, so there's no way they could impede the "normal" flow of traffic by going the speed limit. If an ambulance or police officer was trying to get through, the people behind them would've had to move over (which they shouldn't have had a problem because the only way they got that congested is by speeding, and they shouldn't have been speeding), and so still, they did nothing wrong.

If I were to do it different, I'd have 9 people. 4 to stay back a little, still going 54-55, to hold off traffic. Then the 5 in front would take up all 4 lanes and constantly pass each other (going 54-55 mph). The 4 in back stayed back so they wouldn't be tailgating, and the 5 in front did not stay side by side, they passed each other.

If somehow someone got a ticket, their argument would hold up in court about the others speeding, tailgating, passing in a non-passing lane, and hit and run for that van. If there was a problem with them doing that, the speed limit should be raised and enforced.

And btw, I by no means do the speed limit all the time, I have gotten 4 tickets. So I think this video is great.
Posted by Goober  on  Tue Apr 04, 2006  at  01:55 AM
I just read it, Sole (pg 6) I completely agree with you. It was nothing more than a well thought out, well planned, and well carried out PROTEST.

Which is legal.
Posted by Goober  on  Tue Apr 04, 2006  at  02:07 AM
Crap! I meant "They by no means broke a law." It's late here, I'm going to bed.
Posted by Goober  on  Tue Apr 04, 2006  at  02:11 AM
Bill Beaty's article on this sort of thing:
http://www.amasci.com/amateur/traffic/traffic1.html
Posted by Ian  on  Fri Apr 07, 2006  at  01:20 AM
On the surface, four cars driving the speed limit is not illegal. The quoted section of Georgia code states that no two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes. The key to that is the normal flow of traffic. The filmmakers were definitely impeding the normal flow. It was their whole point for making the film.

People have mentioned that they would have broken the speed limit by accelerating to change lanes, but you can also decelerate to change lanes. Granted, merging might have been a problem. 😊

If the normal flow of traffic was 55, then the obstruction code applies to people who are travelling within the limit, just as it applies to these people. It would apply if they did their experiment at 60, 65, or 70, if they were still impeding traffic.

Raising the speed limit doesn't mean people drive the same speed. Someone driving 75/55 would probably drive 95/75. It doesn't follow that they'd drive 75, regardless of the posted limit. Some people like to speed, and they're willing to take the chance.

This was an unnecessary risk, and we already have too many people taking chances on the roads. They're lucky no one was killed.
Posted by Bruce  on  Mon Apr 10, 2006  at  01:15 PM
I had to respond to this. I LOVE this experiment, not as a means to show why the current speed limit is a bad idea, but why the way people drive is irrational and ridiculous.

I too, have been impatient many times, until as I realized, it causes stress (1. worry about getting tickets, 2. worrying about "moving ahead" of everyone). But, the difference between 55mph and 65mph over a 20 mile drive is only 3.36 minutes (about 9.81 minutes compared to 75 mph). Why put that much stress over such a small amount of time.

Living in LA and Boston, I have learned to be patient, drive the speed limit, relax, and not worry about things I cannot control.

People get upset and angry over these 6 minutes (or so) that is almost laughable, if it wasn't so hurtful in other ways.
Posted by Kevin  on  Thu Sep 14, 2006  at  08:17 PM
I think this is the coolest project regarding traffic laws ever! To all the comments about them breaking the law in Georgia...not so!

Georgia Code 40-6-40 states:

No two vehicles shall impede the normal flow of traffic by traveling side by side at the same time while in adjacent lanes, provided that this Code section shall not be construed to prevent vehicles traveling side by side in adjacent lanes because of congested traffic conditions.

Funny thing is...The law on the road states, the normal flow of traffic shall be 55 mph. By going 55 mph they weren't impeding the flow of traffic. Maybe everyone's flow is 75mph, but the normal flow as stated by law is 55 mph. Guess everyone else is breaking the law, not them!
Posted by matthew chambers  on  Sat Mar 24, 2007  at  09:27 PM
The speed limit is not important. You can be driving 45 (or less) in a 55 max zone and be ticketed for excessive speed for the conditions. If I drive faster than conditions allow for safety, I can be cited for excessive speed.
Posted by Steve  on  Tue Oct 16, 2007  at  10:05 PM
I read a couple of the comments here and I would say that unless you have experienced driving on the 285, you really don't know how ridiculous the law is. Everyone drives 80 mph, if you don't, people will honk at you. Even driving 65-70 is too slow.
Posted by anonymous  on  Fri Dec 21, 2007  at  02:15 AM
Amazing - a group of people demonstrate for all the world to see the farce of too-low speed limits on a huge, impossible-to-ignore scale. There are no clever edits to pick apart, just meek citizens obeying Big Brother's 55 edict.

That's not good enough for some who want to convene a moot court about whether the kids broke the law or not. Hint: it doesn't really matter. They weren't prosecuted. They won't be prosecuted.

And the message of the film is clear.
Posted by Buddy L  on  Wed Apr 02, 2008  at  07:06 PM
I have to say that the point that the students were trying to make is definitely is a good one, and although I realize that the manner in which they chose to make it was dangerous, I can't think of a better way to do it myself.
I believe that 55 mph on Interstates and highways w/out intersections (i.e. exits and not traffic lights) is outdated. And the vast majority of drivers do not obey it anyway. People in my local area also rarely use their turn signals or follow the rule of the left lane (don't be a jerk and yield to the faster vehicle.) The turn signals issue really perturbs me because it can very easily cause an accident. It's as if the people in Maryland weren't taught their use in driver's ed (or they were sleeping during that lesson.) The drivers here are also extremely rude in general.
As someone who does occasionally make long drives (my drive home to Tennessee is over 700 miles), I don't want to be stuck cruising at 55 mph for a 700-mile drive. I'm aware that not everybody drives a performance vehicle and that at least 60% of drivers wouldn't have a clue about double clutching, apexing corners, drafting and outbreaking. However, when I'm driving long distance I'll usually set the cruise at 80 or better on the interstate b/c I've been driving for a while now and I can easily handle my car, manoeuvre around the slow pokes and local traffic, and at around 80 mph my car settles into a nice comfortable groove and starts to just purr. I'm sure she'd find another such good groove around 120 mph if I wouldn't be thrown in jail if caught.
Although for most people driving is nothing more than a means of getting from place to place, it's really more than that. It's freedom. There's just something about getting in the driver's seat and hitting the open road, feeling that magical connection between man and machine. It's sort of a passion that some people just can't comprehend.
Well, that's my two cents worth.
Posted by Dave_BMW  on  Mon May 26, 2008  at  05:01 PM
Georgia Speed Laws:

Minimum Speed Limit: I. No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Posted by b  on  Fri Jun 27, 2008  at  03:09 PM
Damn, b's grammar is like the DOT official in Georgia.

"If I'm reading this correctly....what the student in the fast lane was illegal, assuming the cars behind that student had intentions to go faster than 55."

should be...

"If I'm reading this correctly....what the student in the fast lane DID was illegal, assuming the cars behind that student had intentions to go faster than 55."
Posted by Bb  on  Fri Jun 27, 2008  at  03:13 PM
That people think young men doing the speed limit and encouraging others to do the same are jerks is apalling. Are we saying it is okay to break the law when it is inconvenient or we don't like it? We elect the lawmakers in this country, that is why it is called a republic. If the speed limit law annoys us, work to get it changed, but obey it in the meantime. Otherwise we some day risk our children murdering us because they "felt like it".
Posted by BobLfoot  on  Sat Jul 26, 2008  at  10:47 AM
Some people just have too much time on their hands! I guess these students felt good about this. Didn't anyone do anything about this?
Posted by Motorcycle Fairings  on  Thu Sep 04, 2008  at  06:50 AM
This is in response to the question regarding the legallity of exceeding the speed limit while passing. It is legal in some states to speed while passing, for example Washington state
Posted by Wade  on  Thu Oct 30, 2008  at  01:56 AM
To line up they either had to keep to a slower speed until everyone was in line and then sped up (which means they would have to impede traffic) or some of them would have had to do over 55 to catch up to the one(s) that were so were breaking the law.
Posted by Wondering  on  Tue Jun 23, 2009  at  02:39 PM
I'd like to know what the minimum speed limits are those that are not posted which is most everywhere.
As I have searched until Iam sick in Georgia code,annotated,and on line noone seems to know its rather an abstract thing it seems.
Would perhaps one of you here know?
Posted by nevets  on  Fri Aug 14, 2009  at  04:01 AM
The students in this video never asserted to be acting within every law imaginable. Those who argue the illegality of the students' actions are missing the point.
Is 55mph an appropriate speed limit if the vast majority of drivers exceed this speed? All in all, this video does a wonderful job of visually demonstrating how many drivers would choose to drive faster than 55mph (if not physically prevented from doing so by a rolling blockade).
Posted by Superspeeder  on  Tue Jan 26, 2010  at  01:18 PM
If the students weren't there, the people trying to get home would be held up by the SPEED LIMIT. Which is too low! Which is THE WHOLE POINT!

The students have come and went. The speed limit remains. C'mon people, see the forest.
Posted by Colin  on  Fri Apr 23, 2010  at  05:59 AM
If the speed is legally limited to 55 mph, your statement that it is a "dangerous stunt" is stupid and illogical. If speed limit is set to 55 mph, then students by driving at that very speed are not only respecting the law, but they are respecting it properly.

How can respecting the law to the letter can be construed as "dangerous stunt".

You mean that each time a car, bike respects a speed limit it is a dangerous stunt ?

So if the law says that I cannot shoot people in the head in the streets, which is the case, it is a dangerous stunt to go around in streets without shooting people in the head for no apparent reason ?

What the fuck is wrong with you ?
Posted by Gilbert  on  Thu Apr 21, 2011  at  04:35 PM
If your argument is that most people don't follow the speed limits, therefore the laws are dumb, I would say that's flawed. What abotu the people who feel pressured to speed because they'll be "impeding traffic" if they don't? A lot of people feel entitled that anyone going slower than them move out of their way, and if they don't do that fast enough, they're opening themselves up to violence from road-ragers. I don't appreciate a lot of entitled drivers feeling they have the right to take risks with my life and my child's life. Is it okay because they're late for work?
My point is, if everyone followed the damn speed limit, there would be noone who would risk others' lives and limbs because they're road-raging over this 'blockade'. If there are no speed limits, do you honestly think more people will drive courteously and safely?
Posted by trish  on  Thu Jul 21, 2011  at  04:38 PM
My argument is flawed because a small percentage of people are pressured to drive faster than they would choose? That's ABSURD. The vast majority of people choose their travel speed because it is the speed at which they feel confident. Society makes laws based upon the wishes of the people. The people wish to go faster than the speed limit. The speed limit is wrong.
Would people drive courteously and safely? YES. Because most people aren't suicidal. Danger is all around us. Only children and crazy people need to be protected from themselves. Most adults are capable.
And finally, if you want to mosey on down the road, it is courteous to get out of the way. You're not being a hero by slowing people down. You're being an @$$#073. You want to save lives? Use your blinker when you change lanes and turn your lights on when its raining.
Posted by Colin  on  Fri Jul 22, 2011  at  04:05 AM
And the whole claim that this is a hoax is ridiculous. It was to show that most people want to go faster than 55. That is what they demonstrated and that cannot be refuted.
If the rolling blockade was travelling 150MPH, no one would be behind them. People are stacked up behind them because almost everyone drives faster than 55 when able. NO ONE is in front of them because EVERYONE has traveled away at speed faster than 55. Not only was this not a hoax but it was an outstanding demonstration of the point they were making.
Posted by Colin  on  Fri Jul 22, 2011  at  04:18 AM
Comments: Page 3 of 3 pages  < 1 2 3
Commenting is not available in this channel entry.