Lentis/Driving Speed Enforcement

Introduction

One of every driver’s worst fear is seeing flashing blue lights in their rear view mirror. Being pulled over is one of the most anxiety provoking situations behind the wheel. The officer asks, “do you know why I pulled you over?” or “do you know how fast you were going?” These questions are specifically aimed at admitting guilt to be used as evidence in a court of law. Despite this stressful deterrent, speeding is prolific in the US because it’s not looked down upon culturally. Movies like the popular Fast & Furious franchise glorify speeding and street racing. For the majority of casual drivers, driving 5-10 mph over the speed limit on a regular basis is normal.

Background

In 2019, 36,096 Americans died from motor vehicle accidents–26% of which were attributed to speeding. Although the number of speeding related deaths has declined from the early 2000’s, where there were over 13,000 speeding related deaths per year, it remains a leading cause of car accidents. The most common methods of speed limit enforcement is through speeding tickets and criminal penalties: In the US, police give around 42 million speeding tickets a year, totaling around 6.2 billion dollars. Over one in five drivers are given a speeding ticket every year.

Case Study: Germany and the United States

Speeding is a notorious cause of death on the road. The United States has 7.3 deaths per billion kilometers traveled, of which many result from driving over the speed limit. Germany, on the other hand, has unrestricted speed limits on certain sections of their Autobahn freeway system. Even with an unrestricted speed limit, Germany has just 4.2 deaths per billion kilometers traveled. How does Germany have 40% less deaths than the US per billion kilometers traveled?

There are several differences between American and German driver training that contribute to safer driving in Germany. Drivers in Germany are safer because they receive more training before obtaining a license. In the US, drivers only need around 6 hours of supervised driving and a final 15-20 minute behind the wheel test before being granted a license. In Germany, driver training is much more rigorous. Drivers must take theory classes, take a theoretical test, have special lessons, take practice tests, and a final long behind-the-wheel driving test.

In addition to more rigorous training, Germany has strict laws about certain driving procedures. While the Autobahn highway has sections of unrestricted speed limits, the sections that do have speed limits are strictly enforced using speed cameras and police officers. Going 25 mph over the speed limit can result in a 1 month license suspension, and going more than 43 mph over the speed limit can result in a 3 month suspension. Passing on the right by moving into slower traffic on the Autobahn is punishable with a €450 fine. This law reduces rear end collisions where the speed delta is high between cars. Additionally, trucks are only allowed to travel in the right lane, further reducing traffic congestion.

German cultural differences allow for a derestricted Autobahn to work. In the US, drivers often don’t follow the rules and are often glorified for driving dangerously. This is not the case in Germany as German citizens are much more likely to abide by and follow traffic laws. “In most daily interactions, the Germans do not need anyone to enforce their rules. They follow them and remind one another to follow them through impromptu lectures that are often heated because they are raised to know that is what they are supposed to do,” according to the New York Times. German driving laws may be more strict, but the cultural accountability is what helps keep German roads safe from small town roads to traveling over 100mph on the Autobahn.

Participants

Everyday Speeders

Many drivers engage in "everyday speeding," which may consist of driving within a certain tolerance of the speed limit or speeding in emergency scenarios. One poll from AAA showed that nearly half of all participants reported exceeding highway speed limits by more than 15 mph in the past month, and nearly half of the participants reported going more than 10 mph over the speed limit on residential streets in the past month. Many speeders use "common sense" speeding techniques, such as driving in packs or slowing down in possible speed trap locations. Certain advocacy groups claim to represent these drivers, such as the National Motorists Association, which advocates for tolerance of the "reasonable majority."

"Super Speeders"

Other drivers engage in more reckless behavior. "Super speeders" respect these limits less, driving faster and using more aggressive tactics to avoid penalty. In addition to those used by everyday speeders, avoidance techniques can include radar/LIDAR detectors and jammers, speed trap maps, or even outrunning the police. Online forums may also host discussion to share strategies and information regarding these techniques. Although they share a similar interest to everyday speeders–that is, getting from one place to the next–they have less respect for speeding laws and use more aggressive strategies to speed.

Police Departments

Police departments in charge of enforcing limits have a mix of interests. Although departments are interested in maintaining safety, some may have "minimum expectations" of officers despite laws prohibiting ticket quotas. These de facto quotas may be to generate revenue for the locality or win department grants. However, not all police approve of these tactics. The Virginia Police Benevolent Association has advocated for the elimination of quotas to promote safety, improve public reputations, and improve policing. Techniques of enforcement include speed guns, cameras, or aircraft enforcement.

Cyclists

Like drivers, cyclists are interested in reaching their destination. Since they are significantly more vulnerable in car crashes, many bicyclists highly value safety. One survey conducted in 2002 found over half of bicyclists in the U.S. were dissatisfied with their community's design for cycling safety. 13% felt threatened on their most recent day of cycling–88% of whom felt threatened by motorists. Consequently, advocacy groups such as the League of American Bicyclists have lobbied for more strict speed limit enforcement, as well as lower speed limits to promote safety.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians, too, seek safe transportation. From the same survey, 6% felt threatened on their most recent day of walking–62% of these felt threatened by motorists. Advocacy groups such as the Vision Zero Network call for "safe speeds for everyone" and advocate for enforcement methods such as speed cameras.

Conclusion

Speeding is among the leading causes of driving fatalities in the United States. Speed limits not only protect drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, but are also a major source of revenue in rural localities.

Safety advocates like the Vision Zero Network and the American League of Bikers have advocated for stricter speed limits and stronger enforcement to improve road conditions for all users. Other groups, such as the National Motorists Association, advocate for fewer restrictions and greater leniency. However, most participants are everyday bikers, pedestrians, and drivers–speeders or non-speeders–that simply want to get to their destination and aren't involved in advocacy groups.

The future of speed limits and their enforcement will likely be shaped by increasingly car-free cities, police reform, and government revenue sources.