I was reading the other day about a gentleman criticizing the City Council for reducing the speed limit on a street, or having the wrong speed limit posted in certain areas. The only thing I can find wrong with his thinking is that, first, he had no idea how fast the cars were going that were ticketed. If the old speed limit was 35 mph, maybe the drivers were exceeding the old limit. Usually, speed limits are set according to the location — commercial, business, residential etc.t — and according to the expected volume of traffic.

Many times in residential areas, the people request lowering the speed limits for safety reasons. I have to assume that a lot of drivers don’t pay any attention to posted limits, even when they are aware of these limits.

Try this: Drive the posted limits anywhere you want to. You’ll find people passing your car on a regular basis. It doesn’t make any difference if you’re on city streets, rural roads, highways or interstates. What is really missing on the speed limit signs is the word “maximum.” It is necessary for a driver to be aware of limit changes. The modern automobile is a wonderful machine, and it incorporates two wonderful items — the brake when you’re going too fast, and the accelerator when you need to speed up. The one big drawback is the loose nut on the steering wheel.

— Wilbur K. Boltz

Salisbury