http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/forum-letters/story/get-speed-limits-right-20140228
On several roads, the speed limits may be set too low, resulting in motorists being fined for driving at speeds that are probably safe.
For example, Lentor Avenue has a speed limit of 70kmh. Driving along this stretch at this speed during non-peak hours, I was overtaken by every vehicle on the road, including a bus.
My understanding of the speed limit is that it represents the maximum speed at which a vehicle may travel safely along a certain road. However, this does not seem to be the case on our roads.
Along certain long stretches without traffic lights, such as Thomson Road and Lornie Road, vehicles are cruising at average speeds of about 10kmh to 20kmh above the limit.
While speeding kills, there is a difference between driving at more than 100kmh and at 80kmh.
Along certain roads, motorists need to peer constantly at their speedometers to keep within the speed limits, for fear of being caught by a speed camera or speed trap set up by the Traffic Police.
A recent road trip in Tasmania made me realise how the speed limits there accurately reflect travelling speeds.
At hairpin bends, the limits drop to as low as 30kmh to 40kmh. Along straight stretches outside the town area, the limits increase to reasonable levels like 80kmh.
I learnt to respect the limits, especially the lower ones as they meant the road ahead was hazardous.
It is time to get our limits right.
Wee Wei Loong
No comments:
Post a Comment