They didn’t pull speed limits out of a hat, you know

Today’s question: We have a long standing argument at our house about how fast to drive. If, for example, the posted speed limit is 55 mph, and traffic is flowing at an average of 75 mph, is it safer to drive 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75?

And what do we tell the cop when we are pulled over if your answer is 75 mph?

First of all, if you get pulled over leave me out of it. Don’t be telling the officer I said whatever you were doing was OK, even though I can’t imagine why that would make a hell of a lot of difference one way or another.

Next, if the posted speed limit is 55 mph and the traffic around you is moving at 75 mph, take the next exit or corner and find another route. You are surrounded by idiots who are going too fast.

Generally, our traffic overlords set speed limits based on what is considered to be the safest speed for that particular stretch of road. It’s not like they just pick out speed limit numbers on a whim or based on their daughters’ birthdays or something like that.

So if the speed limit is 55 mph maybe you try to at least keep below 60 mph, OK?

Come to think about it, why are you asking me about this in the first place? Didn’t your parents or somebody teach you how to drive? Why would you rely on a newspaper columnist to tell you how fast or slow you should be driving?

For heaven’s sake, just use a little common sense, OK?

And don’t be driving in my neighborhood.