The slogan speed kills is a misnomer. When the feds upped the limit to 65, many states were hesitant to go with it, "speed kills." When they finally did go up 55 -> 65, there was NO increase speed related deaths. I think the federal limit should be 80, with STEEP penalties for going faster than that, only by 2-3mph.
I routinely take the trip down/up 93 to 89 from MA/NH border to Vermont several times a year. The trip is about 180 miles. If I drive 65-70, it will take 3 1/2 hours, if I drive 80-90 (like I commonly do) it takes 2 3/4. In all honesty, I could care less about that extra 3/4 hour. I'm not necessarily in a rush, but the trip *seems* alot longer when driving slower. I wander off more when I drive slower. Driving 80-90-and sometimes 100+ on long straightaways keeps me on full alert, DEFCON 1. On that trip, exits are commonly 10 to 30 miles apart with virtually no traffic. I have no problem driving fast in those situations. BUT, when I get down into lower NH/MA border, the traffic becomes heavy and I always slow down to at least 75 or lower.
I don't advocate purely aggresive stupid driving. I've seen alot of ricers out there you drive 90-110 in heavy traffic areas in MA/NH. This is irresponsible especially when they tailgate people.
Tips:
- Change lanes slowly and early, don't wait until you get up to the person's ass in front of you and ALWAYS use your blinker, there's no reason not too.
- Obviously look ahead.
- Be completely aware of your surroundings, medians, bends in the road, cars, trucks, ANY crown vics.
- Be honest, every time I get pulled over I've gotten a ticket, BUT never lie to the cop, it only gets worse if you do.
- Buy a valentine 1 radar detector, I should too!
I've got more to say on the subject, but I gotta get to class!
