Originally Posted By: Popinski
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It's common sense. The faster you go, the higher percentage that you will make a mistake, lower reaction. etc etc.
That's true, but it also reflects turning a blind eye to the other critical variables that are virtually always in play when considering "total net safety" out on the road. As I stated above,
relative speed is a critical consideration. Sure, drivers should account for the speed limit (and actually obey it in many situations), but if you are stubbornly insisting on "doing the limit" when the major flow of traffic is doing 15 over the limit, then YOU are indeed a great danger to yourself and everyone else out there.
Originally Posted By: Popinski
Defending speeding in a debate is like defending cigarette smoking and obesity.. you just can't win unless you like dying and don't care about human life.
Very poor comparison. Smoking and obesity are two problems that are indeed virtually impossible to justify as providing any positive benefit. Staying consistent with the flow of traffic, however, even if it is moving at 15+ over the limit, has the huge benefit of preventing you from becoming an obstacle that everyone else has to maneuver to avoid. This reflects a wish to live, not die, and it reflects respect for those around you, though they too may be imperfect sinners and speeders...
Originally Posted By: Popinski
Nick_R: Go the speed limit, take it easy, unwind yourself. Be less stressful when driving. Try listening to classical music or something while driving. Stay safe, Brother.
First, it's up to Nick to decide whether he observes the speed limit or not. He's a big boy, and he doesn't need big brother (or, ahem, you) commanding him to obey. If he elects not to, well, that's up to him, and I'm sure that he is prepared to deal with consequences, if any (tickets, etc.). Second, sure, we should all take it easy, and I do. I'm very relaxed doing 80-ish on our typically uncrowded I-10 with my trusted Valentine-One supplementing my vigilance and judgment. And finally, please don't tell him (or by implication, me) to listen to classic music, or I'll have to tell you to listen to old Dire Straights CDs from the 80s...
Safety is not a one-dimensional thing.