Posted on: Tuesday, November 23, 2004
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DRIVE TIME
Readers weigh in on Drive Time topics
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Usually, when DriveTime readers write, they do so with heated, emotional responses. Topics like speeding, speed limits and lousy drivers in Hawai'i will do that to you. So, imagine our surprise here at DriveTime when we actually received a couple of thoughtful, well-reasoned letters on these very topics. As usual, we're not saying whether we agree or disagree, only that we think the thoughts are worth listening to:
A few suggestions for drivers — and callers
For speeders, slow down, relax. What's your hurry? Drive safely. Why do you want to cause an accident?
For slow pokes, speed up a little, don't drive in the passing lane, pay attention, and get out of the way of fast drivers.
All drivers should be paying attention to the road, not your friends, cell phone, kids, parents, hair, makeup, etc.
Especially for cell-phone drivers, just don't. I always answer with "Hi, I'm driving I will call you back in a second." Pull over if you must talk.
I do admit some speed limits are low and seem brainlessly decided upon, like building a six-lane road and then setting the speed limit to 35 mph. If you want people to travel at 35 mph, then build a 35-mph road. Otherwise, it's just a way for the police to use as a speed trap and generate revenue.
It is not like Hawai'i has a lot of road. For a state this small, we should be trying many little things, instead of talking so much and never getting anything done. Half the time it turns out wrong anyways.
— Ethan Wung
The 'full' story on traffic numbers, please
The government recently released accident and highway death rates for 2003 (43,220 in total), indicating that deaths rose again after being on the decline for several years.
Viewing only this fact, one could believe that driving is becoming more hazardous and deadly. Are people really driving too fast? Does speed kill?
First, put it all in perspective by adding in the growing miles driven by Americans today. Basically, the more time and miles you spend driving, the greater your exposure to risk, accidents or death.
The actual facts presented using data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration equate to 1.5 fatalities per 100 million miles driven in 2003 vs. 3.17 in 1981. In fact this rate of 1.5 deaths per 100 million miles driven is the lowest rate since the NHTSA started keeping stats in 1966, when the fatality rate was 5.5 deaths per 100 million miles driven. There were 50,894 deaths that year.
As expressed by fatalities per miles driven, the 2003 rate was half what it was in 1981. Given that proper perspective, any reasonable person can determine that we have come a long way in safety and reducing deaths, despite the increase in highway speeds.
Put that in perspective and report it.
— C.K. Wailani
