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One of the most oft repeated cliches of modern times is “Speed Kills”. For the last several decades, it’s been constantly used by several well meaning but misguided groups trying to promote safe driving. I believe the original use of the term was popularized in the ’70s to warn people of the danger of methamphetamine. But, now it has come to be construed that anyone who violates the posted speed limit is a homicidal maniac. The problem with this inaccurate and over used the phrase, is it has become part of our collective unconsciousness and its meaning is taken as fact without question. I really hate this kind of mass brainwashing as it keeps people from asking hard questions; instead, relying on catchy phrases to guide their thoughts and actions. This makes it even more difficult to get at the root cause of problems, as the cultural bias must be overcome first.

I reached my breaking point this past weekend. A person I normally hold in high regard, uttered this phrase during a discussion of motorcycle safety at an Experienced Rider Course (MSF-ERC). I’d finally tired of hearing this ridiculous supposition used to continually explain virtually all risky driving practices and called him on it. My little tirade got plenty of attention and the group became very quiet. Even the instructors had no rebuttal (hopefully they agreed but weren’t about to start a real debate as it would derail the class).

Speed in and of itself does NOTHING. If speed kills, than most of us should be dead. Throughout history, when the next faster moving device came along, the current population decried it as the latest death trap. When the car first appeared, and was able to go 25 MPH, I guarantee the horse and buggy crowd was all up in arms. While speed may be a factor in accidents, it is rarely the cause. What kills is bad driving (or riding)!

What speed actually does, is reduce reaction time and increase energy. Physics verifies both of these concepts. But what can’t be verified and we ignorantly accept as truth, is that going fast causes death. The Autobahn, the Bonneville Salt Flats, motor-sports of any kind; if these activities truly “kill” than why do they have safety rates better than average drivers commuting to work? Because the people who engage in these activities tend to be well trained. Maybe if we considered limiting driver’s licenses to people who can actually prove they have driving skill, we could put a more significant dent in fatality statistics.

Sure, if we all slow down, less people will die ….. and no one will get anywhere in a timely manner. But maybe if our politicians instead insisted all drivers get serious training and are required to pass rigorous testing, maybe instead of a band-aid, we can put a tourniquet on this bleeder. Sure, a lot of people won’t be able to get a license, but shouldn’t they be on the bus anyway? The best way to promote the use of mass transportation, is to make sure there no second choice.

We have this Speed = Death expression today because law enforcement wants two things: the first is to scare us into slowing down, which minimizes their workload and second, and more importantly, it gives them license to generate revenue in the name of safety. There are several variants, the most popular being the use by police to “explain” an otherwise unknown accident causes: “it was speed related”. It’s become the “catch all” of excuses. Even though it’s frequently indeterminant, what speed a vehicle was traveling; we just believe whatever the cops (aided by the media) tell us.

I’ve ridden at extremely high rates of speed, both on and off the track, and after 27 years the worst I have to show for it is a crooked collarbone. What I know, is there is a time and place for speed. Good judgment, practiced proven skills and plenty of experience makes a lot more difference than MPH. Does this mean we should go as fast as we want anytime, anyplace, hell no! It means, start realizing velocity only one of several factors in the big picture, it’s never the ONLY factor.

And a little P.S. to the Cops …. If you really care about safety and some guy is out on a rural road virtually by himself and “doin’ the ton”, I contend he’s very little danger to society in general, so leave him alone (or at most, a friendly warning). But if that same guy is doin’ 10 over down a residential street at 5 PM, now your talkin’ a real public safety issue!

But that’s just my opinion,

Rhino