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Locals react to proposed 'super speeder' legislation

March 21. 2010

TENNESSEE -- State lawmakers are considering a bill that would create stiffer penalties for speeders, a move that local law enforcement agents said could be beneficial.

“What we've seen here in town is an increase in speed increases the severity of the accident,” Alcoa Police Chief Ken Burge said. “Anything the state can do to help hold the speeds down is greatly appreciated.”

Funds raised from speeding fines would support state trauma centers.

As introduced, the “super speeders” bill would mean a $200 fine for motorists traveling 15 mph above the speed limit, but Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, said he plans to rewrite the bill to target drivers caught driving 25 mph above the limit.

Some area residents said heftier fines for anyone driving 25 mph above the speed limit is more reasonable than 15 mph.

Maryville resident Christopher Lonske said he rarely speeds and if he does it is only about 5 mph over the speed limit. He'd welcome stiffer penalties for extreme speeders.

“As a nonspeeder I wouldn't mind at all, especially in residential areas chock full of schools and parks,” he said.

“I think officers would need to be out in force to drive the point home to the public that they are serious about the matter.”

Super speeding

According to the Tennessee General Assembly's Web site, the motorists would be charged with super speeding if driving at a speed of either 75 mph or more on any two-lane highway or 85 mph or more on any other public road or highway.

Increased penalties would also apply to anyone caught speeding through areas where department of transportation employees or construction workers are present.

Under present law speeding is a Class C misdemeanor, but the “super speeder” bill would make a violation a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a $200 fine, according to the General Assembly's summary of the proposed legislation.

Sgt. Randy Huckeby, with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, said people react in various ways to law enforcement methods. For some, the threat of a large fine is all it takes to make them slow down, he said.

“If they have to pay a fine, they do think about it,” he said. “Some people, the only way it really hits them is if it's in their pockets.”

Lonske said the threat of a fine is what keeps him driving at the speed limit.

“I usually slow down for fear of ticket over safety reasons,” he said.

http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100321/NEWS/303199971

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