University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
ENGL 1102 | Composition II
Academic year:

2024
Views:

348

Pages:

2
Author:

Jalen W.

Dr. Lively ENGL 1102 B Fall 2022 Many states have increased the speed limit from 55 miles per hour to 65 miles per hour or more on major turnpikes and thruways. Do you think it is wise to allow motorists to drive over 65 miles per hour? Why or why not? Explain your position using specific reasons and examples. Allowing motorists to drive over 65 miles per hour on major turnpikes and thruways warrants careful consideration, as it implicates both public safety and traffic management concerns. While higher speed limits may promise shorter travel times and increased convenience for drivers, the potential risks and consequences associated with excessive speed cannot be understated. Therefore, I firmly advocate for maintaining or even lowering speed limits on major roadways, prioritizing safety and the well-being of all road users over expediency. First and foremost, increasing speed limits beyond 65 miles per hour poses significant safety risks for motorists, passengers, and pedestrians alike. At higher speeds, vehicles require longer stopping distances, reducing the margin for error in emergency situations and increasing the likelihood of catastrophic collisions. Moreover, the force of impact in high-speed crashes is exponentially greater, leading to more severe injuries and fatalities. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between higher speed limits and increased crash rates, underscoring the inherent danger of excessive speed on our roadways. Furthermore, higher speed limits exacerbate traffic congestion and impede the flow of traffic on major thoroughfares. Paradoxically, increasing speed limits can lead to a phenomenon known as "speed variance," wherein drivers traveling at vastly different speeds share the same roadway space. This discrepancy in speed increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions, lane weaving, and other hazardous maneuvers, further compromising roadway safety. Additionally, higher speeds reduce the efficiency of traffic flow by increasing the frequency of lane changes, merges, and disruptions, thereby undermining the overall effectiveness of transportation networks. In conclusion, the decision to allow motorists to drive over 65 miles per hour on major turnpikes and thruways carries profound implications for public safety and traffic management. While higher speed limits may seem enticing in theory, the potential risks and consequences outweigh any perceived benefits. By maintaining or lowering speed limits, policymakers can prioritize the safety and well-being of all road users, fostering a culture of responsible driving and ensuring the efficient operation of transportation networks. Thus, I firmly assert that prudence and caution should prevail in decisions regarding speed limits, safeguarding lives and promoting the collective welfare of society.