Government, by its very nature, is coercive. Politics and, to a somewhat lesser extent, law enforcement, attract people who like to control others. Having been caught up in legislative speed limit debates and heard state troopers talk about controlling drivers I no longer have any illusions that safety or economy have more than a tangential impact on speed limits, enforcement policies or penalties. Itâ€™s all about using the coercive power of government to control citizens. Elected officials and police agencies often set absurdly low speed limits and then strictly enforce them. Partly for the revenue, largely for the power and almost never with any real consideration for safety. I remember driving across Texas on I-10 when the speed limit was 55. Stupid, counter productive and actually dangerous but very politically correct at the time. Highways designed for 80+ MPH traffic being limited to 55, same thing.

When a speed limit is universally ignored that should tell the police and politicians that the limit is too low. It NEVER does, their instinct is to intensify enforcement, increase penalties and tighten control over drivers. They use the excuse that they are increasing safety but that is nonsense. If they cared about safety they would be sitting at traffic lights nabbing those who run them not nailing drivers for 65 in a 55 when everyone is doing 65.

It appears that Virginia has decided to get draconian in its enforcement. Judging by the fines and taxes they want to impose Iâ€™d bet the 75 in a 55 driver will get slapped harder then a drug dealer or a thief.

And jj, of course it was a bash at your position. I think youâ€™re wrong on that issue. If you are offended when someone disagrees with you donâ€™t ever go into politics.