Give 'em an inch ...

[kevin1]

http://enews.earthlink.net/article/nat?guid=20060517/446a9fc0_3421_1334520060517-602902451

The Texas DOT is considering raising the speed limit in some western counties to as high as 80 MPH in these days of near record fuel prices , largely on the pretext that motorists are already doing close to that . They also claim that it will improve safety because motorists would be traveling at a uniform speed .



Your thoughts ?

[RedAllison]

STAND ON IT SON!!!

lmao, being the speed freak I am I can get plumb giddy about this topic. LOL remember when Montana had their "no posted limit, use prudence" in effect a few years ago? My stepfather had just bought a brand new 94 Cobra Mustang Conv (Indy Pace Edition) and just couldn't wait to have it shipped too MT and was gonna AIR THAT MOTHER OUT in eastern MT. That was until my mother caught wind of the plans and a little while later the state implemented a posted limit at the bequest of the highway patrol because of a large number of cases just like my stepfathers "plan".

But I agree, once you get west of Little Rock, AR on I-40 (until it hits CA) or I-30? west of Dallas and just about any state north of there west of the MS River I can see where most people can STAND ON IT SON and not really pose that great of a threat too anyone.

Most regulars know my idea towards most European countries and their laws, BUT one thing I have always admirred was some of those nations "Tiered licensing" system. Roads are much smaller, shorter and large open expanses of road and especially race tracks are few and far between. So they have made it possible for drivers with the where with all and capable cars to actually progress up a tiered level of licenses (by both professional training and buying more expensive licenses). Now we all know about the Autobahn and such, but I mean having the ability to BLAST down a twisty two lane back country road in your Ferarri or Lamborghini. THAT would be kick azz and fun. I wouldn't want "cart blanche" handed too every redneck and teenager with a Z28 who thinks they are Dale Earnhardt. Reasonable training and proof of liability should be expected if for nothing else than to keep the "riff-raff" out and assure drivers if someone DOES centerpunch them doing 120mph then they have ample insurance for the damages.

Amarillo by morning hell,we can be there by suppertime. GET IN, SIT DOWN, SHUT UP & HANG ON!!!
RA

[North Texan]

I'm all for it. There are some highways around here I travel that I may notsee another vehicle onfor 60-70 miles. So regardless of the posted speed limit, the temptation to drive 85 (or faster) is sometimes a little too hard to resist. If my governor didn't kick in at 99 mph, there are places I would really put the hammer down.

My old truck didn't have one. Neither did the big rig I used to drive.

[JoshKeller]

Hey north, set your cruise to 98 mph, then hit the momentary acceleration.. No more gov.

[North Texan]

ORIGINAL: JoshKeller

Hey north, set your cruise to 98 mph, then hit the momentary acceleration.. No more gov.

I willbe trying this.

That was my favorite part about the ol' Kenworth. No governor and a 400 Cat diesel, it would get on down the road.

[zak123]

ORIGINAL: RedAllison

every redneck and teenager with a Z28 Earnhardt.

My brother had a Z28 with the LS1. Three weeks later it was wrappedaround a pole.

[buck knife]

The Texas DOT is considering raising the speed limit in some western counties to as high as 80 MPH in these days of near record fuel prices , largely on the pretext that motorists are already doing close to that . They also claim that it will improve safety because motorists would be traveling at a uniform speed .

The only thing I see happening is people will start going 85 then. Unless they give tickets for anything over 80 (even 81) this will do no good because people will do what they can get away with.

[Aught Six]

I don't see any problem with an 80 mph speed limit. Around here the max is 55, and people drive 80 anyway. I can't even get below 70 in the right hand lanes during the day without some Hummer or Escalade swerving to avoid rear-ending me. @#$holes drive as they please, not as the state demands.

[tangozulu]

where is evryone goin in such a hurry?

[burniegoeasily]

I dont see a problem. If you want to pay lower prices at the pump, dont drive fast. Something to consider, lots of diesel engines perform at their most efficent at speeds of 80+ mph. I had a vw diesel that would get its best gas mileage at 85 mph. Our neighbor has highways that have 75 mph speedlimits and i have nothad a problem drivingin New Mexico.