Slowing Down!
The DGT of Spain have asked that the present speed limit code should be modified, but the only thing the press headlines blared was that the limit was likely to be raised from a maximum of 120 to 130. My immediate reaction was, please leave things as they are. The death toll has been steadily falling over many years, so why would anyone want to mess with that?
In fact, once we get past those headlines we see that in fact some real thought has gone into the proposed changes. Yes, there is a proposal that an increase be made, but only on the motorway, and even then only along selected straights. For the most part proposals will actually lower speeds along many roadways that are becoming too crowded for present limits.
Secondary roads that at present allow travel at 100kph would be lowered to 90, and along other roads we could find ourselves moving at 70, 50, and even 20kph. However, it is human nature to feel bottled up from time to time, so, as is the case on Germany's autobahn, drivers are given stretches of road to blow off steam. Bear in mind that 120 oftens means 140, so 130 will mean 150 when road and weather conditions allow.
I personally don't like speed. Too much of it is always present in crashes, even though the car may be moving at a fairly slow pace. By lowering the limits along places where the legal limit is too high we stand a chance of dropping the death toll even more. We simply have to be careful of not overdoing things on those areas where we are given our reward for otherwise obeying the law.
I often hear people say that they drive fast, but with skill, care, and safety in mind. They really do need to add the element of very good luck to that. I think it's better to drive within the legal limits, with all those other things as well. I also have to add the element of good luck.
Let's keep up the good work and continue to drive with care and caution.
Copyright (c) 2013 Eugene Carmichael
