why is the speed limit set at a speed that most people will surpass by 5-10 mph and not get pulled over? Is there a reason they don’t set the limit 5-10 mph faster and actually enforce it strictly?
I think the practice exists because that 5-10 mph helps compensate for normal fluctuations in speed (up/down hills) and precision in instrumentation (worn tires, viewing angle of the speedometer, variations in the radar gun) and the police generally don't want to issue contestable tickets. That's…
The Short Answer
I think the practice exists because that 5-10 mph helps compensate for normal fluctuations in speed (up/down hills) and precision in instrumentation (worn tires, viewing angle of the speedometer, variations in the radar gun) and the police generally don't want to issue contestable tickets. That's not really a reason why people shouldn't manage their speed to not exceed the limit by building that buffer in to their cruising speed. But since it's ultimately the officers decision if they will issue the ticket, it's technically their decision to grant that buffer.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Speed, issue, buffer
This explanation focuses on speed, issue, buffer and spans 91 words across 3 sentences. At 26% above the average Science explanation (72 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “I think the practice exists because that 5-10 mph helps compensate for normal fluctuations in speed (up/down hills) and “ It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 3 connected points.
How This Compares in Science
Ranked #153 of 500 Science questions by answer depth (top 31%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why the speed limit set at a speed that most people will surpass by 5-10 mph and not get pulled over? is there a reason they don't set the limit 5-10 mph faster and actually enforce it strictly?
I think the practice exists because that 5-10 mph helps compensate for normal fluctuations in speed (up/down hills) and precision in instrumentation (worn tires, viewing angle of the speedometer, variations in the radar gun) and the police generally…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Science questions?
This is an above-average answer at 91 words, ranked #153 of 500 Science questions by depth. The key concepts covered are speed, issue, buffer.
What approach does this answer take to explain the speed limit set at a speed that most people will surpass?
The explanation uses root cause analysis and contrasting perspectives across 91 words. It is categorized under Science and addresses the question through 2 analytical lenses.