Lemmings and Limits
Science tells us two things that run against the grain of modern mythology:
1. Scientists have known for many years that Lemmings do not leap off cliffs in suicidal migrations.
2. Scientists have known for many years that driving at a speed which equates to 10-20kph above many Australian speed limits (the 85 percentile) is safer than driving 10-20kph slower (than the 85th percentile).
What Lemmings do in their spare time is their business but it is good to know the truth. The impact of driving speed on road safety however is something that should concern us all. This is particularly true when it is dangerous to slow down to the speed limit.
Naturally we should at least try to observe the speed limits (whether this works or not) because law breaking is undesirable. As Hobbes put it "Without laws life would be nasty, brutish and short". However it is an absurdity that we should have to live with laws that puts us in danger. Thus it is time for speed limits to be set at the 85th percentile so that it is dangerous to exceed them not dangerous to observe them.
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