Just because one gets their say in front of the "black robes" is not an excuse to inflict some self imposed moralistic I'm gonna git you attitude. Not accusing TT/A of this, but I have seen this attitude.
Everyone needs to understand that there is discretion when it comes to issue a citation.. Every officer has a "majic" number where descretion is not considered when speeding. The problem is that people don't realize how much speed will impact a situation.
For example:
In 2001 there were 6,323,000 Reported Accidents
42,116 Fatalies 12,850 of those were as a result of SPEEDING
3,033,000 Injuries
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Me personally 12 mph is to much.. I have gotten tickets in the past and yes even while a LEO.. They are deserved when I do get them as I am conscious of what I am doing and my surroundings. If you speed or when you speed you and anyone else out there are at risk as a result of your choice to speed.
Granted there are some "wannabe troopers" or officers that like to enforce traffic regularly, and will write tickets for levels lower than the next guy.. But regardless of what everyones opinion is relating to what is "allowed" or what is or is not speeding... The short answer is on the white signs on the side of road with the black lettering about every 1/2 or 1 mile. The last time I checked it said "SPEED LIMIT" not "SPEED OPTIONAL".. So no one has a position to gripe when they get a ticket for even 5 over, just excersize your constitutional rights and fight it in court. Don't blame the guy with the badge because of the long term effect of your actions such as insurance rates etc. *Disclaimer - Not saying every ticket is a valid one*
So what is acceptable? Socially? 70? 80? in a 55? If you look at your own limits there are a couple things you should consider..
1. Experience of the Driver- Would you trust someone that is 16 driving at these speeds the day after he got his license? What about a person that has been driving for 17 years?
2. Vehicle limitations - Well self explanatory Corvette versus a Chevette--
So the moral question you should ask yourself is if 10 miles over the limit is acceptable for you to drive what if:
1. You struck a vehicle and killed someone or a death was as result of the increase speed and stopping distance? Are you guilty for manslaughter or should it be ok because is was personally acceptable?
2. You and your family or someone you care about gets seriously injured or god forbid killed because of someone driving at a speed that was "acceptable" to you? Would you brush it off and move on... I think not, in a case like this you would be out for blood and pass judgement at every level of hipocracy..
As far as the yellow light principle, I just dunno.. Have not noticed them. Me personally if I get a picture and citation in the mail for "running" a red light with a traffic cam then that pic better have a CLEAR AND CONCISE picture of the Driver, Tag, Vehicle and the Position of the vehicle and the light Color at the time of the position in alignment with the State Statutes regarding that violation.
My 2.99999998 Cents