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Originally Posted by nieuwy-89
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I read them, and I conclude that speed limits are too low.
Your first reference says that the "85th percentile rule" is seen as a reasonable limit, but that many limits are set significantly lower. In Calgary, when I drive the speed limit, I am not going faster than 85% of drivers...thus, the rule-of-thumb is evidently not being used. Speed limits in Calgary are too low.
Your second reference is a clear piece of propaganda. By propaganda, I mean "the systematic propagation of a doctrine or cause or of information reflecting the views and interests of those advocating such a doctrine or cause." (dictionary.com) ... The WHO obviously has the interest of improving worldwide health, and I won't dispute that a lower-speed collision is safer for all involved (I DO understand basic physics). However, the WHO has not presented any actual evidence that a below-design-limit speed limit is beneficial in terms of preventing collisions. They have referred to various studies (without specific references, as is typical of such propaganda) that give vague numbers in regards to the benefits of a 1 km/h change in speed. However, they haven't even distinguished between "excessive" (above the speed limit) and "inappropriate" (too fast for conditions) speed. It's one thing to say that someone driving 111 km/h is 3% more likely to have a fatal collision than someone driving 110 km/h, but that has no relation to the speed limit...only to "inappropriate speed."
Finally, and quite clearly, the WHO is not interested in considering the *other* interests of those involved in transportation, such as the efficient flow of traffic. That's odd, considering that increased traffic congestion is one of the major contributors to environmental pollution...? The document you provided was aimed solely at *reducing* speed, and not at ensuring the efficient operation of a vehicle-based society. Do you really rely on that kind of biased source as evidence in an argument?
By the WHO's position (slower is better), our society would be far better off if we reverted to using horses for our travel needs.
Who believes that? ... maybe