this post was submitted on 17 Oct 2026

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111

Why are we so weird about speed limits (US)? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 day ago by schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

167 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Why does everyone drive 10-15 miles above the speed limit?
Why don't we raise the speed limit if that's how fast everyone wants to go?
Why is traffic enforcement given to very expensive and ineffective police instead of cheaper and more automated traffic cameras?
Why do we refuse to ever use ANY traffic calming measures? Yes, than you flashing digital sign for telling me I'm going 10 miles above the limit on this incredibly wide and straight and flat road with high curbs and perfect visibility.

It's a serious confusion I have about how society is supposed to operate because it seems like a complete and total breakdown of logic and sense.

And, yes, I know there's some thing people did long ago to set the speed limit at some percentile of what people were already traveling at, but that's obviously a stupid way to do it and we did it anyway. So why?

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[+] areakode@riskeratspizza.com -6 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Human beings are very bad at driving. I cannot wait until computers are driving our cars for us...

[–] gastroglizzy@piefed.social 5 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Human beings are very bad at driving.

Yes, most of you are. The amount of training required before turning people loose in a two-ton death machine with 10 gallons of highly flammable fuel in the back is shockingly, pathetically minimal. The fact that you never need to re-take a driving test to demonstrate competency is a danger to others. The number of people driving around who don't even know how a four-way stop works is an unacceptable, systemic issue. The number of people who have dash cams is laughably low. The number of drivers who have never practiced safely losing and regaining traction under hazardous conditions is probably over 99%, which is absolutely bonkers when you stop and think about it.

Driving is unbelievably dangerous and the number of people who don't realize and respect that and thus, approach driving with a dangerously casual attitude is a systemic issue that should be addressed.

But, as a professional "computer person" the idea of a computer driving sounds more dangerous than a drunken eight-year-old behind the wheel.

[–] Rhaedas@fedia.io -4 points 1 day ago

The danger is the mixing of humans, environment, and computers. Mostly the first, as environment can be predicted and adapted to a lot easier than human actions.

Ever see the video of an automated warehouse? When it's just computers and no unknown variables, it's far more efficient and safe. But we started with humans driving first and computers are a newcomer, so short of a fully automated road system, it's not going to be perfect. Computers can see and react to things faster, so in some situations they are better than humans, and much of the newest safety equipment on cars required by regulations are because of that.

[–] schipelblorp@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Trains are better, but, yeah, humans really do suck at driving; whether or not computers would be better is a separate question (tip: LIDAR is better).