JRHS Writing BLOG

Need or No Need for Speed

Need or No Need For Speed
I have read an article about how the New Hampshire State House Transportation Committee would like to raise the speed limit.  “The New Hampshire State House Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard on legislation that would make New Hampshire the first northeastern state to increase its maximum speed to 70 mph since the federal government ordered the state to drop its speed limits from 70 mph to 55 mph in 1974.” (http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/21/2179.asp)
The fines for going over the speed limit are as follows:  “1-5 miles:  $65.  6-10 miles:  $100.  11-15 miles:  $150.  16-20 miles:  $250.  21-25 miles:  $350.  26+ miles:  Requires a court appearance.” (http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/21/2179.asp)
I think that the New Hampshire State House Transportation Committee should not increase the speed limit.  Raising the speed limit will make drivers want to go faster.  It would increase the amount and severity of accidents .  Insurance rates would increase.
Do you think the New Hampshire State House Transportation Committee should raise the speed limit to 70 mph or not?  Why or why not?

Right now the Speed limit on 93, 89, and 91 are all 65 mph except in the cities.  The State speed limit on other lesser highways, like 125, 101, and 293 are 55 mph.  Some of those speed limits are warranted because of higher traffic volume.

But my question is, should the speed limit be increased to 70 mph and STRICTLY ENFORCED, or should we just keep it where it is, and let people drive by at 75 mph? 

Practically speaking, the speed limit is only what the law enforces, even though technically, it is what is posted.  So I agree, why bother with increasing it?  It would be easier, cheaper, and maybe safer to just do a publicity campaign that says they are going to start ticketing everyone who is going over 70 mph.