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From: jlup@cci-bdc.UUCP (John Lupien )
Newsgroups: net.politics.theory
Subject: Re: NOT about Libertarianism.
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Date: Sun, 10-Feb-85 15:07:03 EST
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Posted: Sun Feb 10 15:07:03 1985
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> > changed for the better (i.e. income tax and 55 m.p.h. speed limit))..... 
> 
> The 55 m.p.h. limit was never rescinded because 
> the number of traffic fatalities  went WAY down
> when the speed limit was lowered.  I don't know 
> the exact numbers but I believe it involved many
> thousands fewer deaths per year.

Well, now, there have been some OFFICIAL types of dissagreement
on what exactly was the effect of the 55 limit. The most reliable
estimate, (from an independently conducted study, no less) was that
the largest number of deaths saved attributable to the speed limit
change was 2,400. The minimum effect was given as 1,000. I'd be glad
to dig up the reference if anyone needs it, but I wanted to point
out that there are other numbers hidden in these estimates. 

The values given represent "accident fatalities". People die of 
old age, too, at a rate of one per 600,000 highway hours (assuming
that you age at the same rate driving or not).

Out of a "pool" of 10,000,000,000 road hours (originally) for 
Americans, and assuming maybe half of them are "highway hours"
the decrease in highway speed of about 20% gives an increase of
1,000,000,000 hours, or 1666 deaths, which is right in the ball-park
with how many deaths have been claimed as "saved".

Statistical evidence aside, the administration of the 55 mph limit
costs taxpayers and drivers many *DOLLARS*. The arguments as to how
many lives could be saved either way cannot really be confirmed, 
but the cost to the nation of having a radar speed trap every 3 miles,
drivers being delayed and merit ratings being massacred, not to mentibn
ticketing, collecting, and associated court expenses represents a very
tangible argument against such measures as a ridiculously slow
*national* speed limit.

In a closing note of optimism, I would point out that in West Germany,
there is *no* speed limit on the autobahn, and that very few deaths
occur on German highways. Secondary routes are the big problem there,
very much as they are in the US.


			Drive fast, but safely.

			John Lupien


The opinions expressed above are my opinions.