According to reports, the National Transportation Safety Board believes that American cars need to be limited to 100 miles per hour. The story begins with a tragic accident.
The traffic signal on North Las Vegas’s North Commerce Street had been red for at least 29 seconds, but the Dodge Challenger did not slow down. Instead, it flew through the intersection with Cheyenne Avenue at 103 mph, almost three times the 35 mph speed limit. Carnage ensued.
The crash that occurred on January 29, 2022, was horrific. The Challenger, driven by Gary Dean Robinson, slammed into the right side of a Toyota Sienna minivan crossing the intersection. Robinson and his passenger were killed, as were all seven people in the minivan (including four children).
This is a clear example of government overreach. This decision is not constitutionally authorized by the NTSB and should be stopped.
The NTSB summary of the investigation included another recommendation. It recommended that automakers incorporate technology into all new cars in order to prevent reckless speeds. For the first time, it called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to mandate such a measure.
A great idea that has been long overdue.
This is not the constitutional power of the Federal Government to regulate automobile manufacturers.
For the moment, let’s set aside constitutional arguments. Take a look at the (tragic) and awful incident that led to the recommendation.
Gary Dean Robinson, who was responsible for the accident, is the person to address first. He had previously been cited by police seven times for speeding. However, his record shows only one citation. Las Vegas has let many people off the hook.
Robinson was driving 103 mph when he crashed. The 100 mph speed limit is a bad idea. After an accident involving an auto traveling at 80 mph, the speed limit will continue to drop until, what? The 55 mph limit?
China is more likely to see it than the United States. It’s the same China that is attempting to control the EV market and courting U.S. legislators for deals to boost its own lagging economy.
It is true that automobile manufacturers can limit the speed of the products they produce. Others may choose to do so, while others may not. The free market will work, and people will make purchases according to their own preferences. Another example is the Las Vegas case. The prosecutorial functions in the city and Clark County failed again. This is the real problem.
Hands off the car and truck!
Sammy Hagar said it best.
