Motorway speed limits poll

[rekstout]

Who would be in favour or raising the maximum speed on suitable stretches of motorway? If so what to?

[rekstout]

My opinion - Yes on 4 lane stretches - lane 4 to 100mph when safe and appropriate (i.e. daylight, dry, no queues, no 3 wheelers).

I feel that it would prevent as many fatalities as it would cause as I know that many accidents are caused by speeders weaving in and out of lanes to get past the slower moving lane 3 traffic.

It works in Germany doesn't it?

[5029]

I think introducing a minimum speed would reduce accidents as well

[rekstout]

There is a minimum in the UK (Should have mentioned that I mean UK) which I believe is either 45 or 55 mph.

[mikewith]

Introduce a minimum speed limit (60mph?), increase the maximum (80mph at *least* - maybe 100, as most vehicles are quite capable of it) but most of all, and this will speed traffic flow sgnificantly, reduce congestion and prevent accidents, enforce lane discipline! People who hog the middle land to be banned from driving!!

[gilf]

I think the problem with raising limits is that it will never be enough for some people. OK you do get some nutters who do 120mph but most people keep it bellow 100. If they raise it to 100Mph then everybody will think well a few over wont do too much harm and then the avergae goes up to 120 and the nutters progress 140+. I think thats why in general they havent increased the limit. People will always go over it so keep it low.

[gilf]

Sorry didnt really answer the question, yep raise the limit, I ride a very fast motorbike and ridden in excess of twice the currrent limit and felt as safe as doing 70 (i.e. not very but after 70 if you fall off you may as well do it properly)

[mikewith]

gilf - the problem with excessive speeds (ie on the bike) is less what a crash will do to you but what you might do to other people, surely. However clear a road looks, if you're on a Hayabusa (say) you're going to arrive in the middle of innocent, unaware car drivers pretty quickly. So - up the speed limit but make sure the limit is more strictly enforced - more Gatsos everywhere - something all bikers would love to see!!

[ninalondon]

In some countries, Germany for example, there is no speed limit on the motorways (autobahns) and they statistically have far less accidents than in those countries that do. Something to think about...

[cupra]

qt> In some countries, Germany for example, there is no speed limit on the motorways

There aren't that many 'no limit' autobahns left, but it does seem safer to drive there than, say, Italy or Spain! Most european motorway limits are (with some exceptions) 120/130kph - I think if we were up at this limit then safety would not be comprimised at all.

[sddsddean]

For all those who cite Germany as a 'safer' place to do 100mph+. German drivers stick to lane discipline, which is inherently safer anyway, because you can get pulled by the cops for it. It is much harder to get a licence in Germany. You must do night driving, motorway driving and drive in lousy weather, so the Germans are 'trained' to drive well, whereas over here we seem to see it as a right and forget everything we have been taught as soon as we take the 'L' plates off!