Drivers have plenty of space to stop

Based on my recent phone conversation with the Cedar Rapids Traffic Engineering department, I understand that the difference in speed limits between the camera monitored speed zone (55 mph) and the speed zone just prior (60 mph) is 5 mph.

Not withstanding the state rule of '1,000 feet between camera and speed limit change,” I find it hard to believe that a driver cannot reduce vehicle speed 5 mph in a distance of 860 feet, except perhaps if one is yakking on the phone, or worse yet, texting while driving 60 mph.

Guidelines developed by highway traffic and safety engineers suggest that a vehicle traveling 60 mph, taking into account driver perception, reaction and actual breaking distances, on average should take about 304 feet to come to a complete stop - a little more than one third the distance of 860 feet given to slow down 5 mph.

I don't know how or who determined the 1,000 feet distance, but the two camera distances in question would seem more than adequate, without creating rear-ending accident risks. If somebody can't slow done 5 mph in 860 feet, I don't want to be driving in front of them.

Steve Berg got it right the other day; those receiving tickets were speeding, period ('Violators are aware of speed limits,” Sept. 3).

Let's get real about enforcing traffic laws, instead of playing games to get speeders off the hook.

Thomas J. Kopecky

Cedar Rapids