Speeding Cushion to Lose Its Cushion?

A number of people have no doubt been pulled over for speeding at some point in their lifetime. Maybe the law enforcement officer who pulled you over even lightly joked that “their sense humor stops at seven over.”

If this is you, whether pulled over and didn’t learn a lesson or have been making it by knocking on wood, pay attention. Cities and states need to fill budget gaps. One potential way to do so is issue less warnings and more tickets.

“Not only are the (speeding) tolerances much lower, but the frequency of a warning instead of a ticket is way down,” says James Baxter, president of the National Motorists Association, a Wisconsin-based drivers’ rights group that helps its members fight speeding tickets. “Most people, if they’re stopped now, are getting a ticket even if it’s only a minor violation of a few miles per hour.”

Sgt. Michael Edes, chairman of the National Troopers Coalition, which represents 45,000 troopers, claims there is no lower tolerance for speeding among state troopers. “I think you’ll find (enforcement is) actually the opposite,” he says. “A lot of states have cut (trooper) positions or frozen positions. Several states have grounded their aviation unit, so they’re not doing as many speed details.”

It’s no secret how the recession has affected community budgets across the nation. However, we have two sides to the story. What do you think? Scare tactic or are you going to listen to Ellen Griswold and slow down?

Source: USAToday.com, YouTube.com