Higher Speed Limits

Re “When the Rules of the Road Are a Big Blur,” July 6: My first experience with the newly raised speed limit was last winter on a trip to Utah. On the dry stretches, I felt like a road hazard as my little four-cylinder car struggled to maintain 70 mph; it was even more fun on the wet, snowy patches when trucks blew by at 80-plus, weaving in the wind and kicking up blinding spray and gravel.

Meanwhile, back in the city, increased limits have led to a greater disparity of speeds on the freeway which, if it isn’t more dangerous in fact, at least feels more dangerous and requires more frequent lane changes. Higher stress, lower mileage, increased wear on the car--who needs it? This driver would rather allow extra time to reach his destination.

MATT MacARTHUR

Claremont