truth1
May 10, 2008 at 6:06 p.m.

Speed is not the problem!
- Inability
- Indecision
- In-attentiveness, is what causes traffic crashes, as documented by the higher rates of crashes for secondary roads and surface streets.

Perhaps if you are seeking the truth, thruth1, you will take the time to read the facts about speeds and accidents, and not just espouse your opinion!

Since the Autobahn (Germany) has an UNLIMITED speed limit, and has fewer fatalities per mile driven, than the US. I think you need to reassess your opinion!

Here’s some articles with actual facts!

Speed Doesn’t Kill - The Repeal of the 55-MPH Speed Limit
http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-346es.ht...

Did The Higher 65 MPH Save Lives?
http://www.speedtrap.org/speedlimits/Did...

http://www.blog.artlaflamme.com/?p=599
http://www.dma.org/~ganotedp/autobahn.ht...
http://www.hwysafety.com/hwy_montana_200...

I'll bet that the drivers doing the rear-ending were at some time doing more than 65, and 65 is the MAXIMUM allowable speed under IDEAL conditions of weather AND traffic rates which was probably not the case at the time.

I know two of the people who were in the accident. Based on their accounts, the cause of the accident was a driver going well below the speed limit---like 40 miles under. When you're going 65mph, and someone in front of you is going 25, you're going to come up on them awfully quick. And the people behind you can't necessarily see; then you'll be rear-ended by someone going just as fast as you were, if not faster.

And just to be clear: When I say the accident rates aren't higher than they are in Janesville, I meant in proportion.

Lowering the speed won't have much impact if people don't pay attention to cars merging into the interstate. The I-90 clover leaf on-ramps at the Racine Street interchange are the kind that requires you be aware of a shared lane. Paying closer attention will be far more effective than a lower speed limit. Also, we all know that many cars go over 65. So it would be safer if people actually went the speed limit.

I've travelled all across the country (by car), and this interchange is nothing compared to similar ones in San Jose, CA (I-87 and I-280S interchange Google Map: http://tinyurl.com/422z59), Providence, RI (US6/10 and I-95N interchange Google Map: http://tinyurl.com/49kfox), and even Madison, WI (I-90W and 151N interchange Google Map: http://tinyurl.com/3owoab
). Each of these three examples have shared on/off lanes like the Racine Street interchange here in Janesville. In the first two cases, three to four different ramps all merge at one place. In places like San Jose and Providence where these setups are very common and traffic is always busy, you would expect accident rates to be higher than those of Janesville. But they're not. And yes, there are times where traffic in these big cities actually resembles Janesville. People there pay a lot more attention to traffic because they HAVE to whereas in Janesville it's pretty common to find yourself not needing to due to light traffic.

Pay attention. Be aware of your surroundings. Drive safe.

The limit needs to be lowered to 55mph in the Janesville area, its the only way to make that area safe with only the 4 lanes and the interchanges.

Gee, I think the Janesville area of I90 is cursed! I feel bad for those in accidents, but it seems to be a pattern in the area. Just be careful on the interstate, please!

My family and I were two cars behind the accident - we pulled off and went over to the cars as people were still getting out. Everyone was okay, just minor injuries from air bags & seatbelts as far as we could tell. Everyone involved was able to walk around and talk about what happened.

Traffic is almost back to normal. Just as a note, I live half a mile south of the Racine Street overpass.

I-90W is backed up deep into LaPrairie township. It's almost at a complete standstill from what I can see. Hope everyone involve is okay.