Are we ready to pay the costs associated with increasing the speed limit again (and again in the next decade, the decade after that …)? The most commonly cited argument is the increase in traffic fatalities, which despite the Daily’s desire, has been well documented to increase with higher speeds.

The second most obvious cost, also thoroughly documented, is a decrease in fuel efficiency. Is it not ironic that citizens of this country wimper and moan about a 4-cent gasoline tax aimed at reducing the federal deficit yet willingly adopt driving techniques that cost far more?

There are other costs associated with increasing the speed limit that are less obvious, but real nonetheless.

First, there will be a great deal of tax money spent to manufacture and install signs for the new speed limit. Faster speeds result in deadlier and more destructive accidents. For destruction to personal property (such as vehicles and people) there will be an increased cost for insurance companies to pay claims, and hence an increased cost in premiums for all policyholders. For destruction to public property (such as signs and guard rails) there will be an increased cost in repairing such property and an increased amount of time that public service personnel (EMTs, policemen, DOT employees, etc.) are taken away from other projects because of accidents.

Psychological costs should not be discounted. Twenty years ago I knew that the speed limit was never more than 55 mph, and if I traveled to another state of the union, this was a fact on which I could rely. During a recent visit to Nebraska, I saw posted speed limits of 75, 65, 60, 55 and 50 mph. Giving states the freedom to set speed limits has resulted in confusion for all of us.

Undoubtedly there are other costs. (Will next year’s crop of cars from Detroit be less fuel efficient because of the need for more powerful engines to handle higher speeds nationwide?) Amidst all the selfish shouting of “I want to drive faster,” let’s ask ourselves if we are ready to pay the costs. I say no, and voice my opinion by driving 55.

Kevin Wright

Graduate student

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