Why Do So Many Americans Enjoy Driving a Few MPH Over the Speed Limit?

Introduction to Speeding in the U.S.

Speed limits are designed to maintain a reasonable and prudent speed, not a strictly enforced one. American drivers often exceed these posted limits by a few miles per hour under normal conditions. This article explores the reasons behind this behavior and examines recent developments aimed at reducing speeding.

Attitude Towards Speed Limits

Many Americans view speed limits as outdated and unnecessary. The common attitude is 'speed limits are for law-abiding fools and not for me.' This mindset has led to a widespread culture of driving a few MPH over the posted limit.

Differences in Driving Norms

America's driving norms vary by region. While some cities may have strict adherence to posted limits, other areas, particularly in rural settings, have more flexible norms. For example, drivers in Texas can often exceed the posted limit significantly without consequence, due to the vast distances between cities.

Impact of Highway Design

Some highways are designed to allow for high-speed driving, resembling Germany's Autobahn system. These stretches of road often have no explicit speed limits, leading to higher average speeds. Major cities in Arizona, Texas, and other states can be reached in 3 to 12 hours by driving at speeds well above the posted limit once you exit urban areas.

Challenges with Speed Cameras

Speed cameras, while an effective deterrent, face legal and technical challenges. Issues with due process, license plate recognition technology, and the accuracy of speed tickets contribute to the frustration of drivers and can impact the effectiveness of these devices.

Recent Developments to Reduce Speeding

Two major initiatives are aimed at reducing speeding:

SpeedSnitch AI: A collaboration between Ford Motor Company, FedEx, and Flock Safety, this technology uses connected dash cams to report speeding infractions. It also includes driver coaching tools and incident detection. FMVSS 140 Intelligent Speed Limiting Devices: This technology is being deployed on large heavy trucks and will be introduced in cars in California starting in January of the following year. These devices allow vehicles to be governed to 10 MPH over the posted limit, with fuel efficiency benefits and automatic braking if the limit is exceeded.

Historical Context of Speed Limiting

The trucking industry has been working on speed limiting features for decades. The first such feature was introduced in the 1980s by mega carrier J.B. Hunt, who asked Caterpillar to integrate speed limiting in the Engine Control Module of the CAT 3406E engine. Modern trucks now come standard with a speed governor, setting the default limit at 68 MPH.

Conclusion

While many Americans enjoy driving a few MPH over the posted speed limit, recent developments like SpeedSnitch AI and Intelligent Speed Limiting Devices are showing promising results in reducing this behavior. As technology advances, it's likely that driving norms will continue to evolve to ensure safety and efficiency on the road.