‘55-Limit Is Unenforceable’

I am writing in response to the article (Editorial Pages, July 19), by F. Milene “55 M.P.H. Speed Limit Is Unenforceable.”

I drive my small car daily from Oceanside to Irvine and not too long ago I was required to drive on Interstate 5 over the Grapevine to the Bakersfield area.

There are a few law-abiding drivers left, I am glad to say, and I notice them driving along with me at a steady 55 m.p.h. being bullied and harassed by the other highway users. I do not use the No. 1, fast lane because there everyone is doing at least 70 and those wishing to clip along at 75 are overtaking those in the fast lane by using the next No. 2 lane.

To drive in either of these lanes is asking for trouble. Everyone is up behind you, tailgating, flashing lights, honking horns and if they do pull out to pass you on your right, they will make obscene gestures as they roar by.

To drive in the next No. 3 lane is even more hazardous. The truck drivers pressing to maintain a steady 60 to 65 m.p.h. are in this lane overtaking the slower vehicles already doing speeds over the limit in the slow lane. To have a large truck close up behind you, flashing lights and roaring his engine with his jake brakes is pretty scary, let me tell you.

One would therefore think that all would be peace and quiet in the No. 4, slow lane. Not so. Here one gets mixed up with the on-ramp traffic, those slowing and cutting in to take the off-ramps and the trucks barreling along at well over the speed limit who use all kinds of tactics like tailgating and air-horn blasting and flashing lights to get you to move out of the way.

If you really want to take an exciting ride, try driving the Grapevine, Interstate 5 in either direction in a small car. Here there is almost no police protection and the truck drivers own the road driving in all four lanes notwithstanding highway laws or the presence of other car traffic.

The other day I asked a California Highway Patrol officer which lane I should sue when driving at 55 m.p.h. in a small car. His reply did not leave me any the wiser as he complained about staff shortages and other problems within his department and how offered no real answer to my question.

As no one drives any more at 55 except Henley, myself and a few diehards, it is clear that the speed limit should be raised to a more reasonable figure.

MICHAEL G. BARCLAY

Oceanside