I fully agree with Bob Greene`s column of July 22 in keeping the speed limit at 55 m.p.h. Many drivers have such slow reflexes that they cannot drive over 55 and avoid having an automobile accident.
Some years ago the auto show in Chicago had a mock-up of a front seat of an automobile, including steering wheel and brake pedal. In front of this was a red/green traffic light. The object was to test the reaction time of drivers before they applied the brake when the light changed from green to red. Many of the drivers tested would travel 50 to 75 feet before applying the brake. Testing speed was 30 m.p.h. This would account for so many rear-end collisions in the city and suburbs.
Another instance showing drivers` reaction time came from looking out my office window, which overlooks a four-lane highway.
Workmen had dug a deep hole in the center lane to repair traffic light cables. To prevent cars from driving into the hole in the center lane, two loads of white crushed stones were dumped in front of the hole. The pile of stones was about five feet high.
Within two hours, during the daylight, six drivers saw the pile so late that they almost lost control of their cars when they hit the edge of the stone pile. One car had to be towed off the pile. Keep the 55 m.p.h. speed limit.
