it still boils down to the lack of proper penalties for irresponsibility while driving in the US. Most people who drive properly and obey MOST laws are the ones we don't need to worry about. It is the people who don't abide by MOST laws and do what they want who are the reason insurance rates go up, fatality statistics go up, and the reason I have to participate in stupid drive safe programs in the military even though I haven't even seen flashing lights in my rear view mirror in 8 years.
it still boils down to the lack of proper penalties for irresponsibility while driving in the US. Most people who drive properly and obey MOST laws are the ones we don't need to worry about. It is the people who don't abide by MOST laws and do what they want who are the reason insurance rates go up, fatality statistics go up, and the reason I have to participate in stupid drive safe programs in the military even though I haven't even seen flashing lights in my rear view mirror in 8 years.
You mean the same programs you would advocate to the "bad" drivers out there?
My dad used to yell at people when I was in the car with him... "These ass-hats need to learn to eff'ing drive!"
"Who's gonna teach 'em, Dad? You?"
Of course, realizing that he was acting like the very same ass-hats he was yelling at, he would quiet right down.
It boils down to the fact that just because you haven't seen lights in your rear view mirror doesn't mean that you're a good or safe driver. It just means that you're not getting caught, for whatever reason.
I street raced for the first 3 years I had my license, regularly doing in excess of 100+ MPH on highways and public thruways.
NEVER ONCE got caught. So what was your point again?
It is funny you automatically assume I do all the same stuff you did, and so much others do. I haven't gone more than 5 over the speed limit since I got my last ticket 8 years ago. I did that only because I felt it was safer to keep up with traffic rather than being a possible hazard in the road. I have never done street racing, nor broken any major traffic laws. I don't see the point in it. The only reason I have slowed down to exactly on the speed limit or just below it is because I can't afford the gas for my commute, can't afford a new vehicle, and am trying desperately to move closer to work.
I do think it is funny when people try to play their transgressions on others, and assume everyone acts like they did. My point is people doing stupid stuff will, at some point, screw up and cause some major problems. You got lucky, good for you, most people don't. Those people are the reason others have to suffer in numerous ways.
It is funny you automatically assume I do all the same stuff you did, and so much others do. I haven't gone more than 5 over the speed limit since I got my last ticket 8 years ago. I did that only because I felt it was safer to keep up with traffic rather than being a possible hazard in the road. I have never done street racing, nor broken any major traffic laws. I don't see the point in it. The only reason I have slowed down to exactly on the speed limit or just below it is because I can't afford the gas for my commute, can't afford a new vehicle, and am trying desperately to move closer to work.
I do think it is funny when people try to play their transgressions on others, and assume everyone acts like they did. My point is people doing stupid stuff will, at some point, screw up and cause some major problems. You got lucky, good for you, most people don't. Those people are the reason others have to suffer in numerous ways.
1. I didn't assume that you acted in any way short of how you've presented yourself here.
2. I know for a fact that, on average, far more people break the law and don't get caught than those that do. It's simple numbers. There are more would-be criminals than cops to arrest/ticket them. Easy.
3. I'm sure that, on more than one occasion, you've gone more than 5 over the limit and didn't even notice it. The bad part is that, at least in many states in the US, even 5 over the limit is illegal.
4. Even if you haven't sped, and you've signaled every turn, and you've stopped completely at every stop sign, you've still done something illegal. Trust me on this - You don't know every law out there, and I'm sure one of them covers something you probably do without even thinking about it.
5. The point of me saying what I said had nothing to do with comparing you to me, it was to show that just because you haven't been pulled over, doesn't mean you're not breaking the law. Plain and simple. I put it in terms which most could understand, just to make it more clear.
6. I strongly disagree that there is any legitimate reason to believe that insurance rates and the like have increased as any direct result of morons behind the wheel breaking the law. The insurance companies, like everything else, charge what they feel is suitable based on what they may have to pay out to a certain area on a yearly average, sliding scale. That said - It's a business, just like every other out there. YOU CAN NEGOTIATE your rates, and if they fail to see it your way, you can freely move on to the next company who will satisfy your needs. You can effectively change insurance companies in the US every week, if you so choose. There is no penalty for doing so. Believe me - If another company offers me a lower rate, with the same coverage, and they're a recognized, well-reviewed company, I'm going with them. I notify my current company of the situation, and ask if they'd like a chance to bargain for my business. They say "No, we don't do that here." I say "See ya. Cancel my policy effective (date)." and move on. You want a lower rate? Stop blaming morons with cracker-jack licenses and take advantage of the ideals of this Capitalist Country of ours.
Getting caught - here real Police have been replaced with Cameras. Cameras can catch you at speed yet I can drive at 80 (10 over the motorway limit) and be safe and get a camera ticket, or drive like a d**khead at 60 and I won't be detected at all. Some areas don't even have traffic police and I haven't seen on on a motorway since May. Maybe this will change with the new uk.gov, although I doubt it - scameras are much cheaper.
Limits - Here police have a threshold - usually they will let limit + 10% + 3mph go with no action or a wagging finger and a telling off and no ticket, or if a camera you won't get anything. Over that and they will probably go for the points.
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[I]So long and thanks for all the fish.[/I]
Arragonis i just wanted to mention that we use a points system here also or at least in Kentucky I'm not sure about the other states but the amount of points to turning the license over is about the same as you posted.
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My problem is that the law singles out mobile phones, even though there are plenty of other things people do--tuning the radio, talking to passengers, eating, drinking hot coffee, reading, playing with an iPod--that are just as dangerous (or even more so), and are perfectly legal. Oh wait, they aren't, because they're already covered under reckless driving laws. If you're being dangerous, regardless of why, it should be 3 to a ban, but mobile phones aren't particularly more dangerous than any of a dozen other activities drivers are engaged in, including watching their MPGuino instead of the road, and there shouldn't be any reason why holding a mobile phone in your hand has any more penalties than holding an iPod, sandwich or cup of coffee in your hand.
Reminds me of the laws that make committing a crime with a gun a crime...
The real reason all penalties in this country aren't stricter is that the lawmakers aren't out to prevent ANY behavior they're out to monetize ALL behavior, which is an unfortunate consequence of capitalist society, everything is about MONEY.
If they took the persons license how would they get to work to make more money so they could pay their next fine??
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