Richard BF

Here’s another flawed article on lowering speed limits in NSW. Peter Martin argues that data from the U.S. shows that 55 MPH (88 KPH) limits reduce the death toll by 15% from 65 MPH. What he fails to understand is that there is a minimum speed under which drivers need not learn any particular evasive or advanced driving skills, leading to more fatalities when they are faced with more difficult driving conditions. Finding the balance between a safe lower limit, and an upper limit which allows people to actually learn driving skills is the key. At the moment Australia has one of the lowest limits in the world, and our death toll keeps rising. Duh. Limits should be restored to a more balanced level, not the 50 KPH and 40 KPH now being used in some suburban areas. Banning SUVs would also lower the death toll, but if you’re going to have deaths, it’s nice being able to be selective. 🙂