Archive for September 2011
Speed Limits
September 21, 2011 | 
Author Hello Pals!
Generally people living in United States are found to be driving very slowly, even on what are supposed to be high-speed highways. Actually, when you go back to 1974 period, you can find the national speed limit on U.S. highways, which was set as 55 miles/1 hour at the height of energy crisis. Then in 1987, this limit was raised to 65 miles/1 hour on rural interstate highways and at 1995, the interstates were given authority by the federal government to put the highway speed limits within their own states, which means the speed limit can be changed without warning when crossing state lines. For example, the speed limit in Texas is found to be 70 and at New Mexico, this is found to be 65.
As a rule, the state highways and country roads have lower speed limits compared to interstate highways and again within cities and towns, these speed limits are lowered and are found to be ranging from 45 mph on major streets to 20 mph in school zone areas. High-speed roads also have a minimum speed limit, usually 15- 20 mph less than the maximum speed allowed and even some speed limit may drop to 5-10 mph at night times.
But, if an interstate goes through the city, high speed is maintained on it. In case of driving on-ramps or off-ramps you need to slow down to the limit, especially in sharp curve areas.
Politeness in Driving
Hello Pals!
Since American’s follow strict traffic rules, you need to obey them properly. Actually, the speed limits and other traffic guidelines are enforced by a combination of state, country and city police. Interstates and other national highways are patrolled by state troopers or the highway tour of duty, often on motorcycles. State troopers generally operate outside of cities and towns and state highways are usually patrolled by the country sheriff’s officers, whereas city police officers deal with traffic within cities and towns. So, you must be very conscious in following traffic rules. If case of any issues, then you must be polite while talking to the officer.
For example, if you are pulled over for a mistake, then you do not get out of your car. You must wait until the officer comes up to your window. You must be very polite to them and answer their questions correctly. It is good to have all your verification papers like driving license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance, smoke test paper in your hands, which will be easy for the officer to check it. You should never argue with the officer if you get a ticket, unless you think you did nothing wrong. If you really think it is worth it to argue the point in traffic court, then you can follow the direction on the ticket, which will tell you what to do further more.
Posted in Safety Driving | 
Tags: city police officers, highway, smoke test paper, traffic rules, vehicle registration | 
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