<tudorhgh@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:769ed9a4-71e4-454c-93bd-32222519a86a@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Mar 6, 10:08 am, "Mortimer" <m...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> I find the best deterrent against speeding is signs which light up to
> display the limit - but only if you are exceeding it. That's an
excellent
> way of reminding drivers. Better to deter than to prosecute.
How can they possibly be a deterrent if there is no penalty? I
regard them with a certain amount of amusement, and a useful source of
calibration for one's speedo. Other than that, I completely ignore
them. Any driver, except possibly the pissed or very inexperienced,
knows pretty accurately how fast they're going so these signs are
quite pointless.
====
Yes, everyone knows how fast they are going - if they keep looking at the
speedometer. The perception of speed varies enormously according to the
conditions (width of road, day versus night etc).
Speed limits are not applied consistently, and it is very easy on roads
with
absurdly low limits (I'm sure we can all name some!) to forget what the
limit is and instead drive at a speed which feels right for the
conditions.
Even if you start off at the correct speed as you pass the initial sign,
it
is very easy to find your speed gradually creeping up again on such
absurd-limit roads.
Reminders, even ones with no penalties, are very useful. And signs which
only light up when you are above the limit are a good way of doing that
reminder. For me, they usually make me check my speed and slow down to the
limit.
Mind you, I'm reasonably conscientious. I'm sure many people will totally
ignore anything which doesn't result in a fine.
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