Introduction

Current communication knowledge dictates that because of the short attention span of the average reader a blog should be ‘front loading’ to enlarge the time spent on the piece. That fits with the current apparent ‘shallowing‘ of idea exchange: rather than seeking other, enriching ideas, most people seem to be only reaching out for confirmation of their existing convictions. The latter folk are kindly invited to click through elsewhere. This blog is set up in the way I find the – until now – best structure known to me to thoroughly ‘vet’ a platform of ideas, analogous to my earlier description of Information, Decisions and Actions which are coming back here as Observations, Considerations and Proposals. (To fit a primarily one-way communication.)

Observations

Speed limits

Regardless of the country I was in, I noticed that a large number – if not the most – of car drivers go faster than the speed limit.

The speed limits differ per country.

There is no obvious body of knowledge known to me that substantiates which speed limit is safest under normal conditions.

The speed limit generally needs to be adhered to after a traffic sign, most laws allowing a driver the time between sight and passing of the traffic sign to reduce her speed.

In Germany on a regular basis, when I adjust my cruise control at sight of the sign 120 from 130 to 120, the reduction in speed is such that at the sign of 100 the car has not reached that speed yet, let alone that it comes close to the 80 km/hr at the sign of 80 km/hr speed limit.

Considerations

Given the wide variety in speed limits, the establishment of them seems fairly arbitrary, and in Germany politically ‘driven’ by the interests of some large car makers.

Current speed limits make many/most drivers rule violators.

Current observance of speed limits is by no way sufficient to be effective.

Observance of speed limits at least has the accusation that it is nothing but a form of taxation. If safety had been a real concern governments would make more resources available for enforcement.

If rules are violated in large numbers that both shows a societal disdain for and non-acceptance of the rules.

The (traffic) police also enforces speed limits. From anecdotal evidence I understand that many do not take this task seriously and find it demotivating.

When we move to fully automated driving the topic will disseminate probably, but that might take a while, and for the immediate future hand-driven cars are part of most traffic systems.

Proposals

Either set (some?) speed limits higher or enforce (30 km domestic zones?) speed limits in a ‘Chinese way’ with many resources and many fines (which – if done too broad – in my expectation would lead to so much societal upheaval that it would be rescinded anyway and the first alternative will be chosen).

Be honest about speeding tickets just being a tax measure and actively publish the targets the police has on the topic. Separate the task from the generic police to a specific Treasury department so that we save these precious law enforcement officers from this more mundane administrative task. Actually, this might be a great business process to outsource for governments.

Reduce the number of speed limit changes to reduce the chance of traffic incidents. There is in my view very little use of a short stretch where speed has been increased from 100 to 130 km.

(Edited October 12, 2019: Title format)