What makes a perfectly sane person become a speed demon behind the wheel?

Question

Why do people who are perfectly responsible and law-abiding otherwise think it's just okay to go 20 MPH over the speed limit every time they get in their cars?

Most of the time when I'm on the freeway with my cruise control set at whatever the speed limit is on that particular stretch, and I come up on a slower-moving vehicle, I'd like to pass but I can't because there's somebody coming up in my mirror at roughly Mach 2.

I deliver pizzas for a living, and I, with my Domino's topper, am the slowest-moving driver on the road because I'm the only one GOING THE SPEED LIMIT. I'm really tired of getting nasty looks from people who are BREAKING THE LAW. I guess, too, not only do they not realize that their flesh and bones are nothing against crushing metal and flying glass, and that mine aren't either. I'm tired of being put in danger by people who don't care.

Why do we have to put up with this? The cops can't be everywhere at once, and they're demonized for writing tickets as it is.

EDIT: The first two answerers... go away! Pizza delivery IS a real job, but people who don't have a clue don't know that. GET A CLUE.

And as far as your ideas of speeding and how you justify it in your minds, justify this. I know a young woman who does not have legs because of one Sunday drive involving excessive speed. Not alcohol, not drugs, just plain old excessive speed. Screw you and your justifications for speeding.

As for cops who abuse their power or whatever, FIGHT THE TICKET IF YOU'RE CONVINCED IT'S UNJUST. But DO NOT cram your justification for putting MY LIFE at risk down MY throat.

And by the way, the girl was in an accident caused by ANOTHER person who was speeding for no reason, not her. Kind of unfair, ay?

Answer 1

Many people do not realize the damage that speeding can cause...such as losing control and hurting themselves or others. They have the "it won't happen to me" attitude, which is sad, as it can and will.

When I was young I had several close calls, along with 8 speeding tickets. Even with insurance rates through the roof I didn't learn until I was almost done with college. Now, I will sit right next to you in the slow lane, doing the speed limit like I need to. Getting to my destination five minutes faster isn't worth the extra gas mileage or maybe not returning home to my family. If I happen to be in a squad car then I will happily pull over anyone of any age, sex, race, etc who is speeding.

The speed limits were not set where they are because "they know people are going to speed anyway" as one of the answers stated. They are set because tests have been done to learn how far it takes to stop when going certain speeds. 30mph in residential areas is fast enough. I would rather have a safe street than have people flying by at 50mph.

Answer 2

it could be any number of reasons: (I assume you're talking about highways i.e. 75 in a 55 zone -not 45 in a 25 residential zone)

-the person is in a rush.
-the person is simply a reckless driver.
-the person is not paying attention to his/her speed.
-the person enjoys driving fast. (dont we all)
-the speed limit is simply set too low. e.g. driving from New Haven CT to NYC, for some reason the speed limit is 55 the entire way. unless it's too congested traffic moves along at about 70-75 mph.

if i'm not mistaken, studies show that when everybody else is going faster it's actualy more dangerous to go the speed limit (i.e. you're more likely to cause an accident by going slower then everybody else)

personally i stick to 8-9 above the limit on an empty road, otherwise i go along with the traffic.

Answer 3

Well, i have been known to speed from time to time, not more than maybe 8 over though...mostly on the highway as opposed to local roads. Why do i do it? Mostly im in a hurry...i have a toddler, and we take a long time to get ready...we should start earlier, but this or that delays it, and we always wind up running late for something. I do know what you are talking about though, with the nasty looks...theres one stretch of highway by me where its only 2 lanes. So as im driving down the right lane, i come up to a semi truck going much slower...i go into the passing lane to pass them, and some driver comes flying up behind me doing at least 20 over the limit, and is riding my as.s and giving me nasty looks for going 5 over. When they do that, i just let off the gas and coast until im satisfied i have adequately pissed them off.

Answer 4

Doing the right thing is never popular. It takes more guts to do right and stand out like a sore thumb than to do wrong and blend in with everyone else.

Answer 5

Loss of all inhibition. These are usually Casper Milquetoasts who long for adventure, but don't have the nerve until then.

Answer 6

Need for Speed: Most Wanted!! :D

First off, your driving the Speed Limit. The Speed Limits are put in Effect, so that you don't travel too fast. However, they Know that People are going to drive a bit Faster than the Limit. Thats why the Speed Limit is so Low in most Places.

So basically, your DRIVING TOO SLOW!!
What kind of Car DO you drive?!? A Jap Car?!? Corola?!?

Quit being so Analy Retentive!! You remind me of a Suck up!

And after this my LAST Incident with the Frickin Police, I would GLADLY Persicute the Next Officer who tries to set me up for a f*cking 70 in a 55!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There supposed to Protect the People, NOT Harass them!!
Forget Demonizing!! I Damn some of them to Hell!!

Answer 7

Its fun to drive fast.. i obey mostly every law.. but i always speed.. I dont know.. Y i just do it.. !!! I love going fast.. !!!

AGHH you deliever pizzas get a real job..


Poor Pizza man you suck.. !!

As for the girl who got in an accident by a speeder.. you shouldnt have been in the way.. !!! haha