Why do people not obey the speed limit?

Question

I was driving in a different state last week. The drive to the client's place of business was about 30 miles. Throughout the drive there was various zones where the speed limit was 55, 65 and 70. Some of the 55 zones were construction. Anyway, I was in a rental vehicle and noticed that while in the 55 zone, I was going 70. I thought I was going too slow because every single car passed me very quickly. They had to be going 25 mph over the speed limit. 55, 65, 70...didn't matter most non-truckers were going 80 plus. Why do people not obey the limits? I understand going a few mph over but 25 mph over??? That's not right.

Answer 1

Years ago, speed limits were set by using what is called the 85th percentile rule. A new road would open, and there would be no speed limit set! The speeds of the cars traveling on the road were recorded, and the speed limit was set at the speed that 85% of the cars did not exceed. Most people will drive at a safe speed, and this took that fact into account!

People obeyed the speed limits because the had a valid basis. It actually was considered a bad thing to get a speeding ticket!

In 1974, in response to an oil embargo, the federal government required that the speed limits all be lowered to 50 MPH (later changed to 55). When the change was made, there was a lack of public support for the change. Speed limits no longer were related to safety, but was just another rule that had, in many people's view, no real value! Instead of following the law, people looked for ways to avoid getting caught!

CB Radios and radar detectors became popular! Respect for the police, and the law, was reduced! Speeding became socially acceptable.

Now even if the speed limit is based on safety factors, the public does not pay attention, The speed limit has gone from something that was respected, to something that is ignored!

When you try to force people to do things they do not approve of, you will usually have a backlash! In this case, reducing the speed limit removed the social pressure to obey the law!

Answer 2

I do because of the fact I even have my enable, and would in basic terms rigidity with mommy and daddy. inspite of the shown fact that, my mothers and fathers say i'm speeding while i am going 5 miles decrease than the linked fee shrink. =p won't be able to attend to get my license and my own motor vehicle.

Answer 3

Ask yourself why you were speeding, 70 in a 55. Then you will probably have your answer.

Answer 4

This is known as "stupid" which cannot be fixed. These people are of the "me"generation, where nothing counts except what they want, regardless of who they hurt or kill.
The truckers, with the aid of their two way, or CB radios are in constant denial of the speed limits, and are guilty of just as many speed infractions as the four wheeler's,it's just the radios warn them of speed traps, so many don't get caught.

Answer 5

Because people don't give two shits, are in a hurry or their speedo's inaccurate. They're not going to slow down till physics intervenes, so why care?

Answer 6

because speed is life i never drive less than 90 in 25

Answer 7

one day ,while driving home ,i found my self doing the same thing .the question was what will i do with the extra time i have saved ? the answer was ..........nothing ........today i drive slower . go with the flow . you will live longer

Answer 8

either they r in a rush to get som wher... or they just like to drive fast

Answer 9

Two words for me

Its Fun

everyone i suppose has there own "excuse"