So, just for once, let's ruminate on one of the unintended consequences of driving, the speeding ticket. Like millions I have had my share of these (2 to be exact), and the police have always treated me with respect. In one case, I was doubtful that the policeman even had his radar detector on, and in the other case, I was caught fair and square. In both cases, I paid the fine and swore at myself.
In the US, all but two states allow the driver to use the radar detector. This is a tacit admission that the speeding game is a game of cat and mouse. Most police officers will allow some leeway with the speed limit but some will not. Some roads that are long, straight and downhill have ridiculous limits like 25MPH, while in some areas narrow roads with houses on either side are regularly posted at 45 or even 55MPH. The rules are posted, and are clear, but the logic and the application of the rules is obscure. Perhaps deliberately so, to our benefit.
Years ago, the police in Britain had an unwritten, and today, politically incorrect, rule. If you were speeding in a sports car capable of that speed, and you looked like a mature, sober adult, they would not want to stop you. If you were in a delivery van going at 75 wearing a leather jacket and were no older than 19, you were a goner. Of course, the bureaucracy got wind of this, and now the UK is one of the most ridiculously repressive driving regimes in the world. Your speed is monitored by camera, radar and even stopwatch between highway toll booths - if you make it to the next one in less time than they determine to be legal, you get a fine. In short, the British police have gone from discerning individuals to revenue collectors. Even Jesus was not keen on those guys.
So it is a game. The rules are clear, but you may take precautions against getting scored upon. The radar detector levels the playing field a little. Every situation is different but to some extent, our system recognizes that. The rules are clear, but unlike Britain, our rules are guidelines for good and safe driving behaviour. They can be enforced rigorously or in a lax manner. The problem is, we never know which. As any good psychologist will tell you, this is a recipe for behavioural success.
In the US, all but two states allow the driver to use the radar detector. This is a tacit admission that the speeding game is a game of cat and mouse. Most police officers will allow some leeway with the speed limit but some will not. Some roads that are long, straight and downhill have ridiculous limits like 25MPH, while in some areas narrow roads with houses on either side are regularly posted at 45 or even 55MPH. The rules are posted, and are clear, but the logic and the application of the rules is obscure. Perhaps deliberately so, to our benefit.
Years ago, the police in Britain had an unwritten, and today, politically incorrect, rule. If you were speeding in a sports car capable of that speed, and you looked like a mature, sober adult, they would not want to stop you. If you were in a delivery van going at 75 wearing a leather jacket and were no older than 19, you were a goner. Of course, the bureaucracy got wind of this, and now the UK is one of the most ridiculously repressive driving regimes in the world. Your speed is monitored by camera, radar and even stopwatch between highway toll booths - if you make it to the next one in less time than they determine to be legal, you get a fine. In short, the British police have gone from discerning individuals to revenue collectors. Even Jesus was not keen on those guys.
So it is a game. The rules are clear, but you may take precautions against getting scored upon. The radar detector levels the playing field a little. Every situation is different but to some extent, our system recognizes that. The rules are clear, but unlike Britain, our rules are guidelines for good and safe driving behaviour. They can be enforced rigorously or in a lax manner. The problem is, we never know which. As any good psychologist will tell you, this is a recipe for behavioural success.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment