This came in during the late 50/ early 60s (I think) when cars on average went about 40mph flat out. Now cars are safet stronger and have better brakes.
100mph would be a bit more like it.
2006-08-13 06:59:23 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
You have to think beyond the capabilities of todays cars. We have to consider the green issue ... economic use of fuel ....... we all know that speeds above 70 will bring increased fuel consumption. Then there is the safety issue, not for the very competent individual who can cruise at 100mph, but for those that cannot and cope with surrounding traffic at these speeds. Driving at any speed above say 60mph is pivotal upon concentration and ability ..... police drivers know that and are trained to that standard ...... the ordinary motorist doesn't have that advantage. I hear what you say and understand why you ask but there is a lot more than just technology at issue here. Remember, speed kills in the wrong place and the wrong hands ......... there simply has to be a compromise and I think that 70mph is adequate for now ...... okay, we have lane bunching with that but take the limit up and the bunching will simply be at higher speeds .... do we really want that. Patience is a virtue on the road, impatience is dangerous!
2006-08-13 07:13:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's a daft concept! If cars went on average 40mph flat out then they wouldn't have put the limit at 70mph! It's like saying cars these days can go 100mph but the limit is 150mph! The others are right. The safety of cars have improved but the skills of your average driver have not. Also there are thousands more cars on the road and more chance of having accidents. There are enough nutters on the roads as it is going at stupid speeds and risking the lives of others. Are you one of them? The safety of my children is far more important and if I drive below the limit and it adds an extra 5 minutes to the journey then I don't give a s**t.
2006-08-13 14:11:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's 70mph because that's the best speed you can expect to be able to react in time to avoid an accident, the cars may be stronger and safer but your reaction time remains the same. It's probably also to do with the fact that if you hit an oncoming car the most you'll get is 140mph, any faster and your car superstructure would probably collapse and you'd be flatter than a pancake.
If you drive at 100mph and hit an old car you're likely to kill the occupants, you'll have their deaths on your concience and your license taken away, probably manslaughter too. 70mph and they might have lived.
2006-08-13 14:07:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Seeing the amount of idiots on the roads I think raising the limit is rather dangerous.
It was set because a car maker, possibly AC, tested thier new car on the M1 at about 120mph, when most family cars could not make 60mph.
Now cars are safer and stronger people feel invincible so they drive worse. I spike on the steering wheel instead of an airbag would make people pay more attention!
2006-08-13 15:39:19 · answer #4 · answered by Rich 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Having an accident at 100mph is more serious than 70mph
2006-08-13 14:16:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Great question this. Todays cars can handle safely, stop safely and drive safely at this speed. It should be raised to 85mph but then of course the police would not make the same revenue.
2006-08-13 14:07:04 · answer #6 · answered by daisychain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They should have variable speed limits on some of the motorways.90mph when its bone dry on empty stretches where there are no junctions and lower it 60mph when the traffics really congested or in very bad weather.They do a similar thing in germany.
2006-08-13 14:21:49 · answer #7 · answered by Petrol Head 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes the quailty or the vehicle is far higher, not so the quality of the driving.
You also have to bear in mind fuel economy, and pollution at higher speeds, and the increased number of road users.
2006-08-13 14:05:41 · answer #8 · answered by 'Dr Greene' 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you had a son and daughter who drive and are young and carefree, you would'nt ask such a question.
I think 70 mph is too fast, look how many accidents happen at that speed going at 100 mph would only have reckless drivers trying to beat that speed and then there would be no need for emergency services as you would probably have no survivors of motor way pile ups.
2006-08-13 14:15:18 · answer #9 · answered by paula p 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
so the goverment can make more money out of you by using speed traps
100mph is about correct
2006-08-13 14:04:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋