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Comment by croes | Hacker News Reader

Most people drive at a speed at which they believe they are still in control of their vehicle.

We overestimate ourselves.

The fact that perceived safe speed and real safe speed may differ is not relevant. If we want people to drive slower, what's important is the perceived safe speed.

What is relevant is that people have a perceived safe speed, and that this perceived safe speed is able to be influenced. Change the environment and you will change the driver.

Just compare the numbers of speed realted deaths between countries with good and bad roads.

People like to drive fast, no matter the environment.

The main thing that changed the death rates was progress in car safety.

Just look at the begin of car history. Bad roads, unsafe vehicles, lots of deaths.

I'm not suggesting to make poor quality roads. I am suggesting to not put up a 25mph sign on a road wide and straight enough to feel safe going 50mph. A main road near me is such a 2 lane road, 4 lanes widths wide, and is completely straight, but marked 25mph. It's no wonder most people go at least 10-15mph over. I do so unconsciously if I don't pay attention to the speedometer.

Some people are totally oblivious to whether they are safe or not and also reckless with the safety or other road users. This isn't some binary option there are far more factors at play than perceived safety. Even speed limiting cars on dangerous corners could have unforeseen safety implications in some situations.

I mean, we're right 99.999% of the time.

The overestimation comes partially from the design of the road - for example wide open roads with many lanes feel safe to speed on. You can correct this perception by tightening lanes or adding trees etc.

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