What roads that you can think of are (in your opinion) signed either too high or too low for their conditions?
The one that comes to my mind is Duerr Road in Orchard Park, NY (https://www.google.com/maps/@42.7582769,-78.7595462,3a,75y,221.23h,71.88t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sDSyG14u4NBWGxZOGKsM7hQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DDSyG14u4NBWGxZOGKsM7hQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D317.22662%26pitch%3D0!7i3328!8i1664). It is a 2-lane, no shoulder, under maintained residential road signed at (I think) 45 MPH.
This comes to mind:
https://goo.gl/maps/5UGB7sDsQym
It's been like this for years now. Six lanes on divided roadway, with no sharp curves or anything. 50 km/h (30 mph) limit. Though they are now installing a traffic light down the road, which makes the limit make more sense.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 23, 2016, 07:22:42 PM
This comes to mind:
https://goo.gl/maps/5UGB7sDsQym
It's been like this for years now. Six lanes on divided roadway, with no sharp curves or anything. 50 km/h (30 mph) limit. Though they are now installing a traffic light down the road, which makes the limit make more sense.
Hah! This reminds me of the Scajaquada Expressway's 30 MPH speed limit in Buffalo. It used to be 50, but as you can tell from flipping between dates on GSV, they've made some punishing changes. And recently they announced it will become a parkway. This is all the result of a boy that was tragically struck and killed, and I know he didn't cause any of this, but it was such a knee jerk reaction.
https://www.google.ca/maps/@42.9309759,-78.8554347,3a,75y,324.72h,82.42t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sSouTAZOoq20tZ4ABZnwKFQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
For me its the speed limit on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas, 35 mph on a bridge built to freeway specs and its connected to a freeway.
* Forest Park Parkway in the St. Louis area - has a low grade freeway segment posted only at 40 mph that should be 50.
* Many sections of suburban interstates that are posted with too low and frequently ignored limits. I-465 is one such example, being only posted for 55.
* Many rural two lane roadways that are posted at 55, some of which were posted at 65 prior to the NMSL.
* Rural expressways in Indiana - need to be 65 to 70, not 60.
* Almost any work zone on a tollway in Illinois- they seriously expect compliance with a 45 mph speed limit for 37+ miles on a road that should be 70 or 75 when not under construction?
US 7 in CT. Most of the non freeway segments were only 40 mph back in 1998. I doubt that they changed it, but most of the route was rural.
All of Delaware's two lane roads are at 50 when 55 could do.
All of Vermont's two lane roads (which there are hardly any four lane roads other than its two interstates) are only 50 just like DE. Only the Super 2 US 7 has 55 mph and probably is the only 55 mph road in the entire Green Mountain State unless I-89 does drop down in Burlington. Most likely the VT legislature made a clause in the two lane speed limit signing to only go above 50 if the road has no intersections which is why US 7 is allowed to go above the 50 mph max.
55 on the LIE in Suffolk County, NY. Considering that Upstate all interstates outside Metro NYC are 65 it makes no sense that NYSDOT did not let at least that part of Long Island get its freeways at that speed limit.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 23, 2016, 07:22:42 PM
This comes to mind:
https://goo.gl/maps/5UGB7sDsQym
It's been like this for years now. Six lanes on divided roadway, with no sharp curves or anything. 50 km/h (30 mph) limit. Though they are now installing a traffic light down the road, which makes the limit make more sense.
Actually, I found this article that relates to this road.
http://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-best-takedown-of-the-speed-kills-myth-you-1302382244
Here's the YouTube video associated with it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BKdbxX1pDw
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 23, 2016, 11:03:16 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 23, 2016, 07:22:42 PM
This comes to mind:
https://goo.gl/maps/5UGB7sDsQym
It's been like this for years now. Six lanes on divided roadway, with no sharp curves or anything. 50 km/h (30 mph) limit. Though they are now installing a traffic light down the road, which makes the limit make more sense.
Actually, I found this article that relates to this road.
http://jalopnik.com/this-is-the-best-takedown-of-the-speed-kills-myth-you-1302382244
Here's the YouTube video associated with it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BKdbxX1pDw
That's where I found it from. Great video BTW.
Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 23, 2016, 11:09:15 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 23, 2016, 11:03:16 PM
Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 23, 2016, 07:22:42 PM
This comes to mind:
https://goo.gl/maps/5UGB7sDsQym
It's been like this for years now. Six lanes on divided roadway, with no sharp curves or anything. 50 km/h (30 mph) limit. Though they are now installing a traffic light down the road, which makes the limit make more sense.
Actually, I found this article that relates to this road.
(snip)
Here's the YouTube video associated with it:
(snip)
That's where I found it from. Great video BTW.
I also used this in another thread. Terrific video, this is what people SHOULD listen to.
I-96 Jeffries Freeway local lanes in Detroit has a 55 mph limit and no more of a weave/merge issue than the rest of the freeway outside of downtown -- which has a 70 mph limit.
The Spokane Street Viaduct (read: freeway) in Seattle was rebuilt a couple years ago, to implement safer merges and an actual shoulder, but the limit is still an insulting 40 mph:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1SCxFjr.png&hash=aff3e15463bfb7a0a567b24f5e65eb64312c0c98)
40 on the FDR Drive in NYC. Come on! Its a freeway for Pete's sake.
What about South Plainfield, NJ and their 25 mph on CR 531 which, incidentally, has a 30 mph speed limit up the road in Downtown Plainfield?
30 mph on the South Mall in Albany, NY. Highly frustrating.
Come to think of it, 30 mph on US 9W south of the Thruway, too. State Police love to pull people over on that short stretch where the city speed limit is still in effect before the bridge over Norman Kill and the speed limit goes up to 45.
And, to get silly local, there's also the 15 mph speed limit on Northway Mall Road. Sure, it's an access road to a few big boxes (separated from the parking lots), but no one goes 15 on it. No one even goes 25 on it. I've seen Colonie PD pull people over on it occasionally, though. Wonder what it must feel like to get a ticket for going the speed people usually go on it (30 or so).
Oh, and 35 on WI 35 south of Superior along this stretch. It's a well-known speed trap:
https://goo.gl/maps/eRefQBr4fHo
Rt. 52, better known as the 9th Street Causeway from Somers Point to Ocean City NJ was 4 narrow 10' lanes, 40 mph speed limit. A number of years ago due to it's condition, they reduced the speed limit to 35 mph and banned vehicles 4 tons and over. After an expensive, length construction project, the road is now 4 regular sized lanes, barrier between the lanes, and full shoulders. And the speed limit...40 mph!
They eventually raised it to 45 mph (after they said they would do it, it still took months for the signs to appear), but it's still basically a speed trap. Should be 50.
The 35 mph speed limit 3/4 mile out from the Delaware Memorial Bridge toll plaza, and 20 mph a 1/2 mile out. This is after most people have taken the NJ Turnpike, and had no speed limit reduction approaching the cash lanes there.
On the opposite end, there's some 55 mph speed limits in NJ on very heavily traveled urban roads with businesses and driveways, and it's nearly impossible to reach that 55 mph limit!
Most of Norton, Ohio.
In particular, OH 261 within Summit County. It's signed for 35 MPH, but is most ly rural and could easily be 45 or 55. Norton must be using it as an ATM...
The freeway section of SR 60/Courtney Campbell Causeway west of the Tampa airport is fairly egregious (along with, to a lesser extent, SR 60 between 275 and the Veterans Expressway). It has a 50 mph limit when there are six lanes and full grade separation in that one mile segment. This segment would be completely safe at 60-65 mph.
There is also a regular revenue-generating detachment of the TPD posted there, too.
US 3 from I-95 to the NH border in MA. It was 55 MPH when it was a narrow four lane highway with poor sight lines and limited merge lanes. Now, it's six lanes, super wide shoulders, much better sight lines, interstate standard merge lanes, and it's still 55 MPH. It should be 65 with maybe an exception from 129 to 4 where 55 could be justified (like 495 thru nearby Lawrence).
The DRPA bridges with the exception of maybe the Commodore Barry Bridge could be 50 or 55 MPH. Right now they're all 45 and you hardly see anyone doing that speed.
The PA 291 Platt Bridge is signed at 35 MPH for some odd reason. Any time I've used that bridge the speed limit seems to be universally ignored, even by law enforcement.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZIEDtlA.jpg&hash=7601c60f79b9332c1dd8e2274723a8007e61c060)
US 206 has a lot of spots in Princeton where the speed limit drops even though it shouldn't (IMO). From Cherry Valley Rd to Mountain Avenue it's posted as 35, dropping from 45. Then the speed drops to 30, then 25 all the way to the junction with NJ 27. The speed limit remains 30 and then 35 all the way to near Carriage Way. There it finally resumes 40-45 until dropping again in Lawrenceville (understandable since it's the "Main Street" of Lawrenceville).
Worse is how Princeton is notoriously ridiculous with speeding tickets, and so sometimes I debate going any more than 3 above even if people ahead of me are going 7-12 above (fairly common). Isn't the rule of thumb to follow the flow of traffic? Is there a limit to that rule?
Quote from: Alex4897 on February 24, 2016, 11:00:16 AM
The PA 291 Platt Bridge is signed at 35 MPH for some odd reason. Any time I've used that bridge the speed limit seems to be universally ignored, even by law enforcement.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZIEDtlA.jpg&hash=7601c60f79b9332c1dd8e2274723a8007e61c060)
The southbound side could def use a 50 MPH limit but the northbound side probably better off at 40 because of that light at 26th St. and you can't see the intersection until you reach the apex of the bridge. Generally you don't see speeders on that side of the bridge though.
All of I-90 in PA should be 65. The 15-20 mile "urban" 55 MPH zone around Erie is a joke. The bulk of Erie's population is a few miles north of I-90 and I think more local traffic uses the last few miles of I-79 more than they use I-90.
In other words, I-90 thru PA is just one big glorified speed trap.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
Quote from: thenetwork on February 24, 2016, 12:45:48 PM
All of I-90 in PA should be 65. The 15-20 mile "urban" 55 MPH zone around Erie is a joke. The bulk of Erie's population is a few miles north of I-90 and I think more local traffic uses the last few miles of I-79 more than they use I-90.
In other words, I-90 thru PA is just one big glorified speed trap.
Are people getting stopped there for speeding more than elsewhere?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 24, 2016, 12:59:30 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 24, 2016, 12:45:48 PM
All of I-90 in PA should be 65. The 15-20 mile "urban" 55 MPH zone around Erie is a joke. The bulk of Erie's population is a few miles north of I-90 and I think more local traffic uses the last few miles of I-79 more than they use I-90.
In other words, I-90 thru PA is just one big glorified speed trap.
Are people getting stopped there for speeding more than elsewhere?
The enforcement is oppressive.
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2016, 01:06:33 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 24, 2016, 12:59:30 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 24, 2016, 12:45:48 PM
All of I-90 in PA should be 65. The 15-20 mile "urban" 55 MPH zone around Erie is a joke. The bulk of Erie's population is a few miles north of I-90 and I think more local traffic uses the last few miles of I-79 more than they use I-90.
In other words, I-90 thru PA is just one big glorified speed trap.
Are people getting stopped there for speeding more than elsewhere?
The enforcement is oppressive.
I second that. There is always at least one cop in the 55 zone. They will get you for going 60. I've seen cops doing speed traps and pulling people over in the middle of the night.
Oh, boy. New York does have quite a few of these. Here's a small selection.
-NY 354 between US 20 and the Erie/Wyoming County line, currently 45. Most of this could be 55 and the limit immediately jumps up to 55 at the line. Population density east of Aurora Street is quite low, especially in Marilla. Erie County cops often sit at the county line and nab people where the limit goes down without warning.
-Spring Avenue, Troy. Limit is 30, but there is little development due to the street running through a ravine and traffic often moves 40+. Geometry could support a limit of 35-40.
-NY 377, Menands, currently 55. Should probably be decreased to 45 due to population density, but I love this old sign (https://www.google.ca/maps/@42.6803121,-73.742806,3a,41y,33.02h,82.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1ThxLi1cfoeyGpta60wgkw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en).
-NY 254 between NY 9L and NY 32, currently 40. Most of the stretch is devoid of development and could easily be 50.
-Village of Round Lake, 20 on all village-maintained streets. NYSDOT usually allows a minimum of 25 on public roads, but somehow Round Lake got below that. Should be normal village limit of 30.
Rothman already mentioned a couple of my main Albany annoyances (South Mall and US 9W). I almost got nabbed in that spot on 9W last week.
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Some school zones do have 20 or 25 mph speed limit here in PA. They're just a bit harder to find.
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 24, 2016, 03:55:30 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Some school zones do have 20 or 25 mph speed limit here in PA. They're just a bit harder to find.
Whereabouts are those? Such are certainly not in the southeastern 5 counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery & Philadelphia).
Quote from: Revive 755 on February 23, 2016, 10:29:25 PM
* Rural expressways in Indiana - need to be 65 to 70, not 60.
* Almost any work zone on a tollway in Illinois- they seriously expect compliance with a 45 mph speed limit for 37+ miles on a road that should be 70 or 75 when not under construction?
Totally agree with the Indiana expressways bit. Especially because the only speeding ticket I've ever gotten was on US41 in Newton county. It's a freaking expressway! Maybe that's why I was driving at 73 :bigass:
Illinois is starting to get better about work zone speed limits. They would put 45 in any work zone that was 55 or above normally, but recently I've seen some "work zone 55" signs around.
Quote from: paulthemapguy on February 24, 2016, 04:18:21 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on February 23, 2016, 10:29:25 PM
* Rural expressways in Indiana - need to be 65 to 70, not 60.
* Almost any work zone on a tollway in Illinois- they seriously expect compliance with a 45 mph speed limit for 37+ miles on a road that should be 70 or 75 when not under construction?
Totally agree with the Indiana expressways bit. Especially because the only speeding ticket I've ever gotten was on US41 in Newton county. It's a freaking expressway! Maybe that's why I was driving at 73 :bigass:
Illinois is starting to get better about work zone speed limits. They would put 45 in any work zone that was 55 or above normally, but recently I've seen some "work zone 55" signs around.
I love the "work zone speed limit 45
photo enforced". That was quite the shock when I first saw it, being from a state that bans speed cameras outside of school zones in one city.
Quote from: cl94 on February 24, 2016, 04:21:54 PM
I love the "work zone speed limit 45 photo enforced". That was quite the shock when I first saw it, being from a state that bans speed cameras outside of school zones in one city.
Welcome to Illinois, home of Al Capone, John Dilinger, Hugh Hefner, Rod Blagojevich, George Ryan, and many more people whose methods for acquiring revenue are dubious at best! Porn? Illicit alcohol? Counterfeit driver's licenses? Senate Seats? Cards Against Humanity? We've got it all, and we'd be more than happy to sell it to you for the right price.
For real, though, if that's your stance you might enjoy this local story that was all over the news outlets early this week
http://www.timeout.com/chicago/blog/judge-rules-that-all-red-light-and-speed-camera-tickets-are-void-022216
Most interstates in Upstate NY should be bumped up 10 MPH.
I've always thought the speed limit of 70 on US 67 from west of Glen Rose, Texas, to FM 203 was too high. That road has repeating curves and hills and in the past several years has picked up quite a bit of traffic, including a lot of trucks.
As an old example, for about a year after the national speed limit went away, the limit on FM 933 for about a mile from TX 174 was left at the state default of 70, in spite of the short distance having an S-curve with an advisory speed of 35 and a rough rail crossing with an advisory speed of 25, and the whole stretch was narrow and included a narrow bridge. After about a year a reasonable speed limit of 55 was set.
There are some 75 mph speed limits on roads for which such speed is scary due to a combination of narrow roads, curves, and too much traffic. I think 75 is a good maximum limit for straight two-lane roads, even narrow roads with no traffic and few intersections, but in some areas they went overboard.
On the other side, after the national speed limit went away, the 55 mph speed limits were kept on a couple of west Texas highways, SH 54 and SH 118, for no apparent reason. That part of SH 118 now has a speed limit of 75, which is reasonable. SH 54 had its 55 mph limit for almost 20 years before it was increased to a reasonable 70.
On VA 153, 55 MPH is just too slow for me. :spin:
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2016, 08:33:35 AMCome to think of it, 30 mph on US 9W south of the Thruway, too. State Police love to pull people over on that short stretch where the city speed limit is still in effect before the bridge over Norman Kill and the speed limit goes up to 45.
Yes to that one. There's no reason it needs to be 30 on the north side of the bridge until you get close to the Thruway/787 junction.
Another locally is I-890, at least the couple miles west of GE, should be 65. Of course, it's a popular speed trap area just west of the lock and just east of the Thruway Exit 26/NY 5S interchange. I have no problem with the tighter, curvier, more crowded parts of 890 remaining 55.
Some 25 MPHs in Camden County NJ are ridiculous, like Chapel Avenue the entire way and the section of Church Road between NJ 38 and NJ 41 (goes up to 35 and 40 on either side).
Some 4-lane mostly divided highways in South Jersey are 45 or 50 MPH when they could easily be 55. The NJ 42 section of the Black Horse Pike is 45-50. NJ 70 is 45 west of NJ 73 and 50 east of NJ 73. NJ 38 is 50 MPH. Part of NJ 73 is 50 MPH (most is 55).
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 04:11:50 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 24, 2016, 03:55:30 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Some school zones do have 20 or 25 mph speed limit here in PA. They're just a bit harder to find.
Whereabouts are those? Such are certainly not in the southeastern 5 counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery & Philadelphia).
I can't quite remember, but there's some in the Pittsburgh area and up north near Lock Haven and State College.
Quote from: Jim on February 24, 2016, 05:33:03 PM
Another locally is I-890, at least the couple miles west of GE, should be 65. Of course, it's a popular speed trap area just west of the lock and just east of the Thruway Exit 26/NY 5S interchange. I have no problem with the tighter, curvier, more crowded parts of 890 remaining 55.
Certainly. I was on it once for the sole purpose of clinching I-890 and thought the same thing. Really easy to go over 55, especially coming off the Thruway.
Quote from: roadman65 on February 23, 2016, 10:45:46 PM
55 on the LIE in Suffolk County, NY. Considering that Upstate all interstates outside Metro NYC are 65 it makes no sense that NYSDOT did not let at least that part of Long Island get its freeways at that speed limit.
Lots of upstate NY metro areas have 55 zones on interstates.
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2016, 08:33:35 AM
And, to get silly local, there's also the 15 mph speed limit on Northway Mall Road. Sure, it's an access road to a few big boxes (separated from the parking lots), but no one goes 15 on it. No one even goes 25 on it. I've seen Colonie PD pull people over on it occasionally, though. Wonder what it must feel like to get a ticket for going the speed people usually go on it (30 or so).
Plus many of Colonie's arterials should be 40 but are posted at 30.
Quote from: vdeane on February 24, 2016, 07:08:58 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 23, 2016, 10:45:46 PM
55 on the LIE in Suffolk County, NY. Considering that Upstate all interstates outside Metro NYC are 65 it makes no sense that NYSDOT did not let at least that part of Long Island get its freeways at that speed limit.
Lots of upstate NY metro areas have 55 zones on interstates.
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2016, 08:33:35 AM
And, to get silly local, there's also the 15 mph speed limit on Northway Mall Road. Sure, it's an access road to a few big boxes (separated from the parking lots), but no one goes 15 on it. No one even goes 25 on it. I've seen Colonie PD pull people over on it occasionally, though. Wonder what it must feel like to get a ticket for going the speed people usually go on it (30 or so).
Plus many of Colonie's arterials should be 40 but are posted at 30.
Yeah, the 55 section of I-90 in Buffalo is universally repudiated, unless you're a trucker.
Sea to Sky Highway - large speed trap, because people are still dumb enough to believe speed kills.
Quote from: noelbotevera on February 24, 2016, 08:50:42 PM
Sea to Sky Highway - large speed trap, because people are still dumb enough to believe speed kills.
That was bumped up to 90 km/h (56 mph) from 80 (50 mph) in Summer 2014 I believe. Thus, it's not as bad as before. Though when I went through there (July 2014), I recall people doing faster than that. Ironically, BC has the highest speed limits in Canada (120 km/h, 75 mph)
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/speed-limits-on-some-b-c-highways-to-hit-120-km-h-1.2694277
Though I'm a little surprised no one's said the 100 limit in Ontario (or parts of Quebec). It's not enforceable generally anyway; I've seen 140 (87 mph) or even 150 (93 mph) on the 407, a freeway that usually has low traffic (and 10 lanes of traffic) due to its relatively steep tolls.
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
Most school zones in Wisconsin and possibly Tennessee are also 15. A limit of 15 is ridiculous, as it is not that hard to get up to 15 on a bicycle. I think some cars I've been have almost idled that fast.
Quote from: Revive 755 on February 24, 2016, 09:41:25 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
Most school zones in Wisconsin and possibly Tennessee are also 15. A limit of 15 is ridiculous, as it is not that hard to get up to 15 on a bicycle. I think some cars I've been have almost idled that fast.
15 is common in much of New York. My Civic has trouble going that slow.
Any 45 mph work zone speed limit on the Illinois Tollway, and arguably any part of it still designated 55 mph.
the 35-40mph speed drops on US 13 in South Delaware which basically exist to generate revenue for Greenwood and Harrington1
the sudden 65 to 45 at the end of I-290 in Worcester MA
the 55 zone on I-495 in Nassau-Suffolk, literally everyone is doing at least 70 on there.
Quote from: Revive 755 on February 24, 2016, 09:41:25 PM
Most school zones in Wisconsin and possibly Tennessee are also 15. A limit of 15 is ridiculous, as it is not that hard to get up to 15 on a bicycle. I think some cars I've been have almost idled that fast.
I lost it at the words "Idled that fast" :rofl:
The ones in Illinois are 20 and that's excruciating. When I saw my first Wisconsin school zone I was like :banghead:
Quote from: paulthemapguy on February 24, 2016, 11:19:47 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on February 24, 2016, 09:41:25 PM
Most school zones in Wisconsin and possibly Tennessee are also 15. A limit of 15 is ridiculous, as it is not that hard to get up to 15 on a bicycle. I think some cars I've been have almost idled that fast.
I lost it at the words "Idled that fast" :rofl:
The ones in Illinois are 20 and that's excruciating. When I saw my first Wisconsin school zone I was like :banghead:
Here in Winnipeg, a city bylaw was passed limiting speed around schools to 30 km/h (18 mph). It's torture driving through there.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1668/25220893056_7f2df68bd5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EqFEPJ)
Winnipeg School Zone Sign (https://flic.kr/p/EqFEPJ) by Sign Geek (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135438121@N07/), on Flickr
Quote from: SignGeek101 on February 24, 2016, 11:28:26 PM
Here in Winnipeg, a city bylaw was passed limiting speed around schools to 30 km/h (18 mph). It's torture driving through there.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1668/25220893056_7f2df68bd5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EqFEPJ)
Winnipeg School Zone Sign (https://flic.kr/p/EqFEPJ) by Sign Geek (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135438121@N07/), on Flickr
Good Gawd. Look at those time restrictions! A lot of the signs here just say 'when children are present'. Those Winnipeg signs are enforced during the entire school day, when the kids are INSIDE the school! What's the point of that?
Beyond the school day even. I know there are probably after-school activities, but what percentage of the students are there till 5:30 PM?
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
All of Delaware's school zones are 20 mph. Still very slow. I always compare this to the Delaware Memorial Bridge's speed limit of 20 mph approaching the tolls. At the schools, the limit starts about 1,000 feet from the school. Yet, on the bridge, it starts about 1/2 mile before the toll plaza.
In NJ, the school zone limit is generally 15 mph below the regular limit for schools from K-8, and 10 mph below the regular limit in high school. Thus, school zones of 30 & 35 mph are fairly common.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/25137240752_6574cea251_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EihVUC)
The "When Children Are Present" is nice, because if you disobey the speed limit you can just say "there were kids around? I didn't see any kids." Instead of being restricted to lower speeds when school is in session, and all the kids are most likely indoors, you can just look for kids around. If you don't see any, no need to slow down! And life carries on.
The time restriction at a local school zone here in the Capital District goes from 7:00 - 18:00 and notes on "School Days." I've often wondered the risk at 6 p.m. as well for going 10 mph more (the regular speed limit on the road).
Also, I've wondered what would happen if I got pulled over on a day during the typical school year that the kids have off (a curriculum day or whatnot).
https://goo.gl/maps/ZNhfKwoXi1s
Quote from: bzakharin on February 24, 2016, 05:55:45 PM
Some 25 MPHs in Camden County NJ are ridiculous, like Chapel Avenue the entire way and the section of Church Road between NJ 38 and NJ 41 (goes up to 35 and 40 on either side).
i used to live in that area, and it was always the last mile to and from home that was the most painful.
Quote from: paulthemapguy on February 25, 2016, 09:43:58 AM
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/25137240752_6574cea251_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/EihVUC)
The "When Children Are Present" is nice, because if you disobey the speed limit you can just say "there were kids around? I didn't see any kids." Instead of being restricted to lower speeds when school is in session, and all the kids are most likely indoors, you can just look for kids around. If you don't see any, no need to slow down! And life carries on.
My question is if I saw one kid in this zone, would I have to slow down? Is there a set number of children that must be present for that speed limit to be in effect?
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
I was under the impression that speed limits under 20 were legally unenforceable.
School speed limits have never made any sense to me. If you teach the kids to stay out of the road, there shouldn't be a need for them, especially in a city, where your typical side street is already 25, lowering it any further won't make much of a difference, and when you are in the country, where it is practically impossible to walk to school, it is just insulting to the kids, the parents, and the drivers.
As for insulting speed limits...
A local road, formerly 50 MPH is now 35 from an intersection adjacent to a High School for 1.5-2 miles past an elementary school, 24/7/365. The road has shoulders large enough to accommodate parked busses the entire length. There is no logical reason for this speed limit, at any time, let alone summer months or outside of school hours.
Another local road. Was 50 MPH its entire length. An older resident, who owned property with a long frontage along the road complained about excessive noise coming from the road, even though she lived nearly 1/4 mile from the roadway, in the local paper. The county then, without any logical justification, changed one large section to 40 MPH, and the area in front of her home to 25 MPH, even though it is likely on of the straightest roads in the county.
There are also 3 sections of SR 525 on Whidbey Island that were 55 MPH that were lowered to 45 MPH due to a large number of driveways. The problem is, that two of these locations already have center turn lanes, and the other just has too many driveways accessing the highway, instead of the adjacent streets. They are trying to treat a symptom, instead of enforcing their "limited access" policy for these areas, and closing some highway access points.
Finally, SR 20 in Coupeville, WA. This was formerly 55 MPH, until someone go drunk at a bar on the south side of town, and decided to walk home, in the dark, and cross the highway while wearing dark clothing. Mind you that one block over, there is a pedestrian bridge. He was hit, and severely injured. As a knee jerk reaction the state lowered the speed limit for about 1 mile to 45 MPH. The worst part, they wrapped the "Speed Limit 45" signs in white, flashing LEDs, which at night will nearly blind drivers. Someone had enough one night and ripped the lights off of one sign, and I can't wait for them to do it to the other.
All of these roadways meet or exceed safety designs, and given the quality of the roadways and the sight distances, they are very insulting to drivers, who can actually drive. Then again, that seems to be a common thing in Washington and Oregon, compared to other states I've driven in.
Quote from: TEG24601 on February 25, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
I was under the impression that speed limits under 20 were legally unenforceable.
Any speed limit is enforceable as long as it meets all the criteria for such a speed limit. 15 mph school zones, for example, are definitely enforceable.
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
My experience is to simply stay in the flow. Never had a problem with the CPD doing that, and have been passed by them many times on LSD.
Quote from: Brandon on February 25, 2016, 12:27:28 PM
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
My experience is to simply stay in the flow. Never had a problem with the CPD doing that, and have been passed by them many times on LSD.
Driving safely while on LSD is indeed a talent.
A local road was partially dropped from 55 to 50 a few years ago. Everyone still goes at least 55 on the 50 section.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 25, 2016, 11:54:33 AM
Quote from: TEG24601 on February 25, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 24, 2016, 12:57:47 PM
School zones in PA have a ridiculously low posted speed limit of 15 mph whereas neighboring states (mainly NJ & DE) have either a 20 or 25 mph school zone speed limit.
Unless one's in a diesel-powered Yugo (I'm aware that no such animal exists, but just saying); a minor tap on the accelerator puts nearly every vehicle over 15 mph.
I was under the impression that speed limits under 20 were legally unenforceable.
Any speed limit is enforceable as long as it meets all the criteria for such a speed limit. 15 mph school zones, for example, are definitely enforceable.
Arizona School Zones are Highly Enforced at 15mph with Double Fines starting at 16mph
So far, all of them have been places where the speed limit is too low. Any where the posted speed limit is too high?
Quote from: kkt on February 25, 2016, 05:41:32 PM
So far, all of them have been places where the speed limit is too low. Any where the posted speed limit is too high?
Quote from: cl94 on February 24, 2016, 01:32:17 PM
-NY 377, Menands, currently 55. Should probably be decreased to 45 due to population density, but I love this old sign (https://www.google.ca/maps/@42.6803121,-73.742806,3a,41y,33.02h,82.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1ThxLi1cfoeyGpta60wgkw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en).
There are a bunch of 55 zones in New York that other states would post lower, but this one is in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
Quote from: kkt on February 25, 2016, 05:41:32 PM
So far, all of them have been places where the speed limit is too low. Any where the posted speed limit is too high?
Texas is the only state that has two lane undivided roads with 75 mph speed limits, where most states would post them at 55-65 mph (with only a few at 70 mph).
Also, Until December 31, 2015, New Mexico also had a default 75 mph speed limit on county roads with no posted speed limit (including dirt roads); it has since been lowered to 55 mph.
Quote from: kkt on February 25, 2016, 05:41:32 PM
So far, all of them have been places where the speed limit is too low. Any where the posted speed limit is too high?
Warren CR 7 is 55 winding along the side of a mountain (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.4278693,-73.6522508,3a,49.2y,167.99h,82.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMdnVNF3kTy5VJtjgfgMgcg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Saratoga CR 24 spends much of its time wedged between cliffs and the Hudson River (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2334346,-73.7543264,3a,75y,45.85h,85.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNpXZb_7bTCMyu2OLI19oSQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656), also 55. Further upstream is this dirt road (https://www.google.com/maps/@43.3135874,-73.8450159,3a,75y,266.08h,81.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suZ-3tane9UIRBS8zNMh3Bg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). 55.
New York is 55 unless otherwise posted and it creates a slew of scenarios where the technical limit on roads that can't take fast traffic is 55. Some towns and counties sign reasonable limits. Many do not. Don't get me wrong- I love being able to go 55 on so many of the rural roads, but there are many cases where 55 is asking for trouble. As with New Mexico, dirt roads are included in that 55.
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
Ouch! LSD should be 50 MPH, at the very least. I can say this because I was on it once in my life.
(Don't read into that more than you should).
Another one: I-781 has 45 mph zones half a mile before each end. Yes, even I-81. It feels painfully slow. At some point, Region 7 also lowered I-81 to 40 mph for the half mile approaching the Thousand Islands Bridge toll barrier and the mile before customs.
Quote from: vdeane on February 25, 2016, 09:41:50 PM
Another one: I-781 has 45 mph zones half a mile before each end. Yes, even I-81. It feels painfully slow. At some point, Region 7 also lowered I-81 to 40 mph for the half mile approaching the Thousand Islands Bridge toll barrier and the mile before customs.
Yeah, I've noticed that. NYSDOT typically only lowers to 55 approaching the end. Do they actually enforce it?
Quote from: mapman1071 on February 25, 2016, 04:53:04 PMArizona School Zones are Highly Enforced at 15mph with Double Fines starting at 16mph
Given that only police vehicles have certified-calibrated speedometers; it would be very tough to pull over somebody who's doing 16 in a 15 zone. The simple reason being that even if the needle is on the
15 mark; one's actual speed could be slightly higher or lower. A 10% variance could yield a 15 speedometer equaling 16 actual.
Any 55mph "State Speed Limit" in NYS outside of immediate downtown areas is inappropriate.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on February 26, 2016, 05:39:09 PM
Any 55mph "State Speed Limit" in NYS outside of immediate downtown areas is inappropriate.
NY 17 disagrees. The 55 section through Delaware County is quite warranted. Trucks can't take the curves above 55 and I'd only go 65 on those curves in a car with good handling in dry weather during the day. The stretch between Deposit and Roscoe is quite dangerous, but it meets the "mountainous" criteria for the Green Book and it does (mostly) meet Interstate standards outside of the at-grade. I'm a fast driver and I take this curve at 55 (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.956518,-75.2429906,3a,75y,115.4h,88.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sITgo8kSMJ2Br6mt_M_eVbQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1).
Quote from: busman_49 on February 24, 2016, 09:48:52 AM
Most of Norton, Ohio.
In particular, OH 261 within Summit County. It's signed for 35 MPH, but is most ly rural and could easily be 45 or 55. Norton must be using it as an ATM...
Not sure any of Norton beyond 76 and 21 have a speed limit over 35. The whole city is a speed trap.
Quote from: exit322 on February 26, 2016, 07:36:21 PM
Quote from: busman_49 on February 24, 2016, 09:48:52 AM
Most of Norton, Ohio.
In particular, OH 261 within Summit County. It's signed for 35 MPH, but is most ly rural and could easily be 45 or 55. Norton must be using it as an ATM...
Not sure any of Norton beyond 76 and 21 have a speed limit over 35. The whole city is a speed trap.
No Ohio discussion would be complete without New Rome. Ohio actually passed a law so the state would have an excuse to take away the village charter and let Columbus annex it. Only a couple blocks large and funded solely by speeding tickets. Limit dropped by 10 mph without warning and for no reason other than to issue tickets. This portion of the street grid (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9512602,-83.1417937,277m/data=!3m1!1e3) is larger than the former New Rome village limits.
All Chicago freeways should be 10-15 mph because that's as fast as you'll be going on them anyways.
Quote from: Takumi on February 25, 2016, 01:27:47 PM
A local road was partially dropped from 55 to 50 a few years ago. Everyone still goes at least 55 on the 50 section.
Are you referring to VA 106 between US 460 and SR 634? I can't think of any other roads that would fit that offhand but I know this has been 50 for about 10+ years at this point.
EDIT: Never mind, I forgot about the US 460 reduction in PG for a minute.
Quote from: wxfree on February 24, 2016, 05:20:59 PM
I've always thought the speed limit of 70 on US 67 from west of Glen Rose, Texas, to FM 203 was too high. That road has repeating curves and hills and in the past several years has picked up quite a bit of traffic, including a lot of trucks.
As an old example, for about a year after the national speed limit went away, the limit on FM 933 for about a mile from TX 174 was left at the state default of 70, in spite of the short distance having an S-curve with an advisory speed of 35 and a rough rail crossing with an advisory speed of 25, and the whole stretch was narrow and included a narrow bridge. After about a year a reasonable speed limit of 55 was set.
There are some 75 mph speed limits on roads for which such speed is scary due to a combination of narrow roads, curves, and too much traffic. I think 75 is a good maximum limit for straight two-lane roads, even narrow roads with no traffic and few intersections, but in some areas they went overboard.
On the other side, after the national speed limit went away, the 55 mph speed limits were kept on a couple of west Texas highways, SH 54 and SH 118, for no apparent reason. That part of SH 118 now has a speed limit of 75, which is reasonable. SH 54 had its 55 mph limit for almost 20 years before it was increased to a reasonable 70.
I'd have to agree. Another stretch of highway I question the posted speed limit on is that of SH 24 beginning with its junction with I-30 east of Greenville. Even though most of the rural parts of SH 24 are four lane divided but not controlled access, a posted speed limit of 75 is not safe on that high way, IMHO. The speed limit should be at least 65 or 70.
I saw a new one today. In Bosque County, Texas, County Road 1175 has always had a speed limit of 40, and I'd always thought it should be raised to 50 and that most of the way 60 was reasonable. The road has very little traffic. It has a curve, but it's treeless so you can see around the curve and slow appropriately for approaching traffic. I wouldn't have mentioned this one, except that they just lowered the speed limit to 30, and posted "no thru trucks." I can understand the truck restriction, since it's the only bridge over the Brazos River in the area and near quarry and gas related trucking activity, but to combine it with a lower speed limit is redundant, since the truck restriction itself should improve safety. Lowering the already too-low limit is unreasonable.
Kind of random, but this street:https://goo.gl/maps/W7co4FaL4Ys (https://goo.gl/maps/W7co4FaL4Ys) in Alpine, CA is posted at 50. I thought it was odd, because it passes through a residential area and just doesn't look like a road that you'd expect to have a 50 mph limit.
Quote from: pumpkineater2 on February 27, 2016, 07:24:01 PM
Kind of random, but this street:https://goo.gl/maps/W7co4FaL4Ys (https://goo.gl/maps/W7co4FaL4Ys) in Alpine, CA is posted at 50. I thought it was odd, because it passes through a residential area and just doesn't look like a road that you'd expect to have a 50 mph limit.
You might be the first person on this thread to complain about the speed limit being too high, but I agree with you. A road like this would fit better as 40 mph.
Quote from: Rothman on February 24, 2016, 08:33:35 AM
30 mph on the South Mall in Albany, NY. Highly frustrating.
Come to think of it, 30 mph on US 9W south of the Thruway, too. State Police love to pull people over on that short stretch where the city speed limit is still in effect before the bridge over Norman Kill and the speed limit goes up to 45.
And, to get silly local, there's also the 15 mph speed limit on Northway Mall Road. Sure, it's an access road to a few big boxes (separated from the parking lots), but no one goes 15 on it. No one even goes 25 on it. I've seen Colonie PD pull people over on it occasionally, though. Wonder what it must feel like to get a ticket for going the speed people usually go on it (30 or so).
These have always been ridiculous speed limits and speed traps in New York's capital district.
Quote from: pumpkineater2 on February 27, 2016, 07:24:01 PM
Kind of random, but this street:https://goo.gl/maps/W7co4FaL4Ys (https://goo.gl/maps/W7co4FaL4Ys) in Alpine, CA is posted at 50. I thought it was odd, because it passes through a residential area and just doesn't look like a road that you'd expect to have a 50 mph limit.
Interesting. Yes, this seems to be a good example of a speed limit on the other end of the spectrum.
Quote from: Rothman on February 25, 2016, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 25, 2016, 12:27:28 PM
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
My experience is to simply stay in the flow. Never had a problem with the CPD doing that, and have been passed by them many times on LSD.
Driving safely while on LSD is indeed a talent.
Driving down LSD whilst on LSD is can be quite a trip, man.
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
When you say legal, does that mean staying in the right lane? Many people think staying legal means as long as they're doing the speed limit, they are legal, while ignoring every other law that exists.
Quote from: slorydn1 on February 29, 2016, 03:16:23 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 25, 2016, 12:38:47 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 25, 2016, 12:27:28 PM
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
My experience is to simply stay in the flow. Never had a problem with the CPD doing that, and have been passed by them many times on LSD.
Driving safely while on LSD is indeed a talent.
Driving down LSD whilst on LSD is can be quite a trip, man.
also while playing LSD
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 29, 2016, 03:36:39 PM
Quote from: Super Mateo on February 25, 2016, 11:20:23 AM
Ugh Lake Shore Drive/US 41. The expressway portion north of Downtown Chicago is posted at 40. It leaves drivers with a choice:
a) Be legal, but not safe, or
b) Be safe, but not legal.
c) Take a different road.
Option A (doing the speed limit of 40) will keep the cops away from you, but you'll anger other drivers to the point where they'll honk, shine their brights, and/or yell and gesture at you. You will also get run off the road, tailed, and passed like you're standing still. You'll also be fearing you'll be hit at any time. Option B (going with traffic flow) is much safer and won't anger drivers. You're far less likely to be hit and other drivers won't be on your case. However, at any point, a cop could be following you and asking why you think this you can drive like this is the Kennedy. It's a no win situation.
I've tried both A and B, then stuck to option B, and got to meet the Chicago police. I now pick option C. I will not go on there again unless I absolutely have to.
When you say legal, does that mean staying in the right lane? Many people think staying legal means as long as they're doing the speed limit, they are legal, while ignoring every other law that exists.
Yes, stay in the right lane if you're going to do the speed limit or slower. Chicago drivers are awful about lane usage. Many times I've had to pass vehicles in the center or left lane on I-57 going significantly slower than the right lane and clearly not attempting to pass anyone. There's also I-80/94 near the IN border, which has signs saying "no trucks in 2 left lanes" that some trucks completely ignore.
When I wrote that, though, I was only referring to speed alone, but of course other driving laws need to be followed. Many of those laws have a bigger effect on our safety than how fast the vehicle is moving.
This may sound like a misnomer given that these are mountain roads in the middle of nowhere but CA 1 San Simeon to Big Sur and CA 41 from Oakhurst to almost the Yosemite National Park boundary are both 55 MPH. It's pretty clear that the crowds that usually hit those roads can't handle 55 MPH and drive much slower sometimes 30-35 MPH through those sections. Worse is that the signage is very poor with very few reassurance 55 MPH markers in place. I'm assuming most people think the yellow speed signs in corners are the actual speed limit or are just in sheer terror, it's difficult to discern which. Maybe adding 40, 45 and 50 MPH sections on top of some 55 MPH would be better justified. Basically in California CALTrans usually gives you one 55 MPH on a two lane mountain road and you never see another one for about an hour. Most roads that's justified but the two described carry a lot more tourist traffic.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on February 27, 2016, 08:08:21 AM
Quote from: Takumi on February 25, 2016, 01:27:47 PM
A local road was partially dropped from 55 to 50 a few years ago. Everyone still goes at least 55 on the 50 section.
Are you referring to VA 106 between US 460 and SR 634? I can't think of any other roads that would fit that offhand but I know this has been 50 for about 10+ years at this point.
EDIT: Never mind, I forgot about the US 460 reduction in PG for a minute.
Neither. Woodpecker Road in Chesterfield County between SR 600 and SR 634.
The only speed limit I can think of that could be lowered is Prince George/Sussex SR 638 south of VA 35, which is an implied 55. North of VA 35 it's posted at 40. Both sections should be 45.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2016, 11:11:11 AM
This may sound like a misnomer given that these are mountain roads in the middle of nowhere but CA 1 San Simeon to Big Sur and CA 41 from Oakhurst to almost the Yosemite National Park boundary are both 55 MPH. It's pretty clear that the crowds that usually hit those roads can't handle 55 MPH and drive much slower sometimes 30-35 MPH through those sections. Worse is that the signage is very poor with very few reassurance 55 MPH markers in place. I'm assuming most people think the yellow speed signs in corners are the actual speed limit or are just in sheer terror, it's difficult to discern which. Maybe adding 40, 45 and 50 MPH sections on top of some 55 MPH would be better justified. Basically in California CALTrans usually gives you one 55 MPH on a two lane mountain road and you never see another one for about an hour. Most roads that's justified but the two described carry a lot more tourist traffic.
It would be helpful on curvy roads to see a regular speed limit sign after passing through the section governed by the advisory sign.
Quote from: mrsman on March 13, 2016, 01:30:18 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on March 02, 2016, 11:11:11 AM
This may sound like a misnomer given that these are mountain roads in the middle of nowhere but CA 1 San Simeon to Big Sur and CA 41 from Oakhurst to almost the Yosemite National Park boundary are both 55 MPH. It's pretty clear that the crowds that usually hit those roads can't handle 55 MPH and drive much slower sometimes 30-35 MPH through those sections. Worse is that the signage is very poor with very few reassurance 55 MPH markers in place. I'm assuming most people think the yellow speed signs in corners are the actual speed limit or are just in sheer terror, it's difficult to discern which. Maybe adding 40, 45 and 50 MPH sections on top of some 55 MPH would be better justified. Basically in California CALTrans usually gives you one 55 MPH on a two lane mountain road and you never see another one for about an hour. Most roads that's justified but the two described carry a lot more tourist traffic.
It would be helpful on curvy roads to see a regular speed limit sign after passing through the section governed by the advisory sign.
I don't know that that's practical - that would be dozens of regular speed limit signs over the span of 30-40 miles on a lot of mountainous roads in the west. At some point, people need to know what an advisory speed limit is.
That said, I agree that California posts speed limit signs very infrequently - I drove CA 36 from Fortuna to CA-3 the other day, and there were only two or three signs. It's probably worth posting a few on at least the longer straightaways.
It doesn't have to be fear or thinking the advisory speed is the legal speed limit. Many people are probably thinking "what's the point of accelerating back to 55 if I'll have to brake again the second I get there?" (why waste fuel?). I know I do (compounded by driving a standard, so I'd have to manually upshift and downshift to move between those speeds; I'll often think "might as well stay in this gear as it won't be long before the next curve").
US 3 from Tyngsborough to Burlington. 55 MPH is criminal on that road post-reconstruction.
Quote from: vdeane on March 13, 2016, 03:46:23 PM
It doesn't have to be fear or thinking the advisory speed is the legal speed limit. Many people are probably thinking "what's the point of accelerating back to 55 if I'll have to brake again the second I get there?" (why waste fuel?). I know I do (compounded by driving a standard, so I'd have to manually upshift and downshift to move between those speeds; I'll often think "might as well stay in this gear as it won't be long before the next curve").
It's really, really, REALLY excessive the distance you see a speed limit sign out in rural California. They definitely could use more than 2 or 3 in that 70 mile stretch of Highway 1. But to your point....rather actually what is the point of something like Highway 1 if you aren't going to try to push it on one of the best driving roads in the entire country? I mean....to me that's unfathomable, but then again I'm used to mountain roads. You have to keep in mind these really aren't "through" roads in the sense like you mean, nobody in their right mind would take CA 1 over US 101 as a point A to B route. You can always spot someone from a city or the east coast on that highway which is why I tend to go early weekdays as opposed to the weekends with the tourist crowd.
Quote from: vdeane on March 13, 2016, 03:46:23 PM
It doesn't have to be fear or thinking the advisory speed is the legal speed limit. Many people are probably thinking "what's the point of accelerating back to 55 if I'll have to brake again the second I get there?" (why waste fuel?). I know I do (compounded by driving a standard, so I'd have to manually upshift and downshift to move between those speeds; I'll often think "might as well stay in this gear as it won't be long before the next curve").
As a fellow standard driver, the most fun to be had when driving a manual is doing so when driving as fast as possible around windy mountain roads. Even then, it's almost easier with a stick because you can gun it up to a high RPM without shifting and then let your foot off the gas and slow down much faster than in an automatic.
Quote from: corco on March 19, 2016, 01:08:32 AM
Quote from: vdeane on March 13, 2016, 03:46:23 PM
It doesn't have to be fear or thinking the advisory speed is the legal speed limit. Many people are probably thinking "what's the point of accelerating back to 55 if I'll have to brake again the second I get there?" (why waste fuel?). I know I do (compounded by driving a standard, so I'd have to manually upshift and downshift to move between those speeds; I'll often think "might as well stay in this gear as it won't be long before the next curve").
As a fellow standard driver, the most fun to be had when driving a manual is doing so when driving as fast as possible around windy mountain roads. Even then, it's almost easier with a stick because you can gun it up to a high RPM without shifting and then let your foot off the gas and slow down much faster than in an automatic.
I felt the same when I mostly drove a standard. I loved taking my dad's car into the mountains and the transmission did most of the braking for me.
Living in Troy (and watching my parents replace a clutch twice) made me decide against purchasing a car with one. I've found that my CVT, if used properly, isn't much different. I keep my Civic in "S" on mountain roads in sections where there's a lot of accelerating and decelerating because it has the same effect.
Speed limits really need to go up in mass.
Quote from: cl94 on February 26, 2016, 05:55:55 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on February 26, 2016, 05:39:09 PM
Any 55mph "State Speed Limit" in NYS outside of immediate downtown areas is inappropriate.
NY 17 disagrees. The 55 section through Delaware County is quite warranted. Trucks can't take the curves above 55 and I'd only go 65 on those curves in a car with good handling in dry weather during the day.
So then the speed limit there should be 65.
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
Quote from: vdeane on April 26, 2017, 01:16:35 PM
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
The only problem is that that kind of mentality does not disappear if the speed limits go up. It's been that way too long.
Quote from: bzakharin on May 01, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 26, 2017, 01:16:35 PM
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
The only problem is that that kind of mentality does not disappear if the speed limits go up. It's been that way too long.
Studies have shown that mentality actually
does disappear or is greatly reduced once speed limits actually match what people really drive.
Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2017, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on May 01, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 26, 2017, 01:16:35 PM
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
The only problem is that that kind of mentality does not disappear if the speed limits go up. It's been that way too long.
Studies have shown that mentality actually does disappear or is greatly reduced once speed limits actually match what people really drive.
Well try telling that to my Dad.
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 02, 2017, 03:13:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2017, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on May 01, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 26, 2017, 01:16:35 PM
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
The only problem is that that kind of mentality does not disappear if the speed limits go up. It's been that way too long.
Studies have shown that mentality actually does disappear or is greatly reduced once speed limits actually match what people really drive.
Well try telling that to my Dad.
I don't really think we should be in the business of setting speed limits based on anecdotal driving styles. There will always be people who drive above the speed limit and people who drive below it. But it is also true that the majority of drivers won't go faster than they're comfortable going. Set the speed limit at 130 mph, and the five-over crowd won't be driving 135 mph.
Back before speed limits were widespread in the western part of the country, people self-limited themselves to what seemed safe and prudent–which for the people I've talked to was usually around 70 or 80 mph, depending on the highway.
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2017, 03:55:03 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 02, 2017, 03:13:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2017, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on May 01, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 26, 2017, 01:16:35 PM
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
The only problem is that that kind of mentality does not disappear if the speed limits go up. It's been that way too long.
Studies have shown that mentality actually does disappear or is greatly reduced once speed limits actually match what people really drive.
Well try telling that to my Dad.
I don't really think we should be in the business of setting speed limits based on anecdotal driving styles. There will always be people who drive above the speed limit and people who drive below it. But it is also true that the majority of drivers won't go faster than they're comfortable going. Set the speed limit at 130 mph, and the five-over crowd won't be driving 135 mph.
Back before speed limits were widespread in the western part of the country, people self-limited themselves to what seemed safe and prudent–which for the people I've talked to was usually around 70 or 80 mph, depending on the highway.
And even today, there are areas where you can tell there is absolutely no enforcement of speed. The flow of traffic is 15-20mph above the speed limit. I was just in certain areas of California where the speed limit was 65 and 55 for trucks/trailers and the flow of traffic was easily 85+. If you went 65 or god forbid 55 there is no doubt it'd flat out be dangerous the way you would be impeding traffic.
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2017, 03:55:03 PM
Quote from: Roadgeekteen on May 02, 2017, 03:13:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 01, 2017, 01:37:45 PM
Quote from: bzakharin on May 01, 2017, 10:00:31 AM
Quote from: vdeane on April 26, 2017, 01:16:35 PM
Exactly. IMO the speed limit should be the fastest one should safely go - there should be none of this "the sign says 55 but we really mean 65-70" stuff that seems to be the norm around here.
The only problem is that that kind of mentality does not disappear if the speed limits go up. It's been that way too long.
Studies have shown that mentality actually does disappear or is greatly reduced once speed limits actually match what people really drive.
Well try telling that to my Dad.
I don't really think we should be in the business of setting speed limits based on anecdotal driving styles. There will always be people who drive above the speed limit and people who drive below it. But it is also true that the majority of drivers won't go faster than they're comfortable going. Set the speed limit at 130 mph, and the five-over crowd won't be driving 135 mph.
Back before speed limits were widespread in the western part of the country, people self-limited themselves to what seemed safe and prudent–which for the people I've talked to was usually around 70 or 80 mph, depending on the highway.
^This, absolutely this^.
Heck the one time that I did have an 80 mph speed limit in west Texas I had the cruise set right at 80. Probably the only time in my 30+ years of driving that I ever had my cruise set right on the speed limit. I was in the 2004 f150 at the time and 80 seemed a bit high in the RPM range with a 4 speed auto.
My Mustangs are happiest at 77 mph. 3.31 rear gear and a very weak 6th gear ratio in the manual transmission has me right at 2000 rpm. Steady cruising above 80 absolutely kills my gas mileage, by about 2-3 mpg over cruising at 75. If freeway speed limits were set appropriately I don't think you would ever see me speeding, except maybe for going down hill every once in a while.
I am a believer that most speed limits in most locations are underposted. I do, however, believe that there are some places that are actually overposted-places where I actually do not feel comfortable trying to attain the speed limit and will drive under it. A prime example is my own street. It's posted 25, but its so narrow and the the driveways are so short that if a person rolls just a bit down their driveway before checking to see if it's clear there is no way to avoid them. I usually find myself doing 15-20 down my street.
In my neck of the woods, Colorado does a good job. Speed limits on CDOT-maintained highways (freeway and non-) are very reasonable and are fair. Heck, they recently *raised* the speed limit on a stretch of I-70 in Debeque Canyon from 60 to 65 (Glenwood Canyon could also use a bump to 50, but I'm not greedy).
Off the freeway, they try to post the fastest speeds on good stretches of road, while only having minimal speed drops on short curvy or hilly sections. Even the speeds through most towns on marked routes is reasonable.
My neighbor Utah does a good job on the interstates as well, but it needs to bump up the speed limits on some of the 2-laners to 70 or 75 at least in the eastern half of Utah. I just drove most of the southern half of US-191, and I was pushing 80 with nothing around me.