[DavidG]

Originally posted by Roanon:

quote:

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Originally posted by DavidG:
I'd be willing be most serious accidents are caused in some part by excessive speed.

Of course, a speed of zero guarantees no accidents at all . A fact is, though, that least of all accidents happen on motorways, and of those few the most happen on construction sites, where a speed limit makes sense (and is rarely checked, like near schools and on other sites where they make sense - and are followed most of the time even if not radar-checked).
Just pure speed on a suitable highway is not dangerous in itself. In fact, a general speed limit without reason slightly increases accidents, because it lessens your concentration when you are forced to drive way below your skill limit, and causes so called "micro-sleeps" when even slightly tired or fatigued, which then can cause accidents. In these situations driving faster, at a comfortable speed, is in fact safer, because it enhances attention and reactions.
"Too fast" is very much depending on the situation, there are situations when even 40 mph is way too fast. But the US standard 55 mph on highways with little or no traffic are just ridiculous and unmatched, no other country with general speed limits has such a low limit.

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Well of course I was talking about traffic accidents which pretty much always happen on roads. And also I said speed was "in some part" responsible. Of course not 100% responsible. I don't buy at all that "driving below your skill level" causes lack of concentraction and thus accidents. Sounds like you are saying you should be going like a bat out of hell to keep up the concentration level??

Accidents are caused by something unexpected happening. When this happens the guy going the speed limit is much more likely to avoid the incident. that's just simple physics.