Comment on WA Labor senator opposed to proposed reduction of speed limits on unsigned roads
Tau@aussie.zone 1 week ago
Yet again I have to mention how dumb it is that we have much safer cars than when our standard speed limits are set but all we ever get is decreases to these limits.
“People think ‘I can do 110 legally so therefore it’s OK to do it,’” he said.
So close to the problem but no we can’t focus on teaching people to drive to conditions because lower speed limits solve everything. Never mind that even 70km/h is going to be too fast in some conditions but 100km/h+ is fine in others - even on the same road.
Cars are safer, roads (yes even Victorian roads with potholes) are safer.
The problem is that drivers aren’t safer. Society expects people to drive, so people drive, even when they are not confident or competent.
ADAS and automated driving are not solutions; ADAS requires a minimum level of competence and Automated driving is at the level of an incompetent driver, at best (regardless of what Elon Musk claims).
Better public transport (with professional competent drivers) is the only solution.
MisterFrog@aussie.zone 1 day ago
FTFY
This is a rant, which is not specifically directed at you:
I don’t really have an opinion on rural speed limits, but it’s just good urban design for us to take back our streets from car-centric planning.
Cars have a place: renting a van, emergency services, disabled people, delivery for businesses, but we accept WAY more deaths, noise and pollution that much better designed cities overseas. Not every trip should be by car, but we’ve planned our cities that for many it has to be.
Speed limits are in general too high in our urban areas (not talking about freeways, I’m talking 60 km/hr through shopping strips and 50 km/hr on side streets), that’s too high.
But people get up in arms at that thought of driving slower, because apparently we just have to accept a certain number of deaths (which have stopped dropping since these US-style emotional support vehicles have come on the scene).
For your viewing pleasure: m.youtube.com/watch?v=jN7mSXMruEo
Anyway, Speed Kills. That ad campaign wasn’t making it up.
You’re not wrong that people should drive to the conditions, but speed limits still must be followed, because they’re set based on design guidelines, and most often, people aren’t as good at driving as they think they are.
Don’t speed, I don’t care how good at driving anyone thinks they are.
Cheers for letting me accost you ;)