Its speed variability. If *everybody* on the road is travelling *exactly* 90 mph, the accident rate would drop -- in spite of the increased overall speed. That said, however, when there IS an accident, its much easier to survive at 70 than it is at 90.
At any rate, a lot of people need a lesson on how multi-lane highways are made effective by having assigned "travel" lanes and "passing lanes". Its quite simple, really -- you travel in the right lane until you come upon a car moving slower than you, and then you use the left lane to pass. In fact, I noticed in Washington state signs that said "It is unlawful to travel in left-hand lane unless passing" -- I'm not aware of any other places with actual LAWS enforcing this, at least in Canada. |
