Speed limits are arbitrary. Okay, having said that, of course we need some guidelines otherwise people would be doing 85 on residential streets. However, to take an arbitrary number and then criminalize a person for going over it doesn't contribute at all to safety.
Example: Someone has a 1973 Corolla. It has brake problems, three different sizes of tires, worn suspension, and it's been in at least four collisions. This car is unsafe at any speed. Handling is compromised as well as the ability to stop. However, as long as this guy stays below 65 MPH, he's legal right next to you on the 347.
Another Example: Gertrude is 87. She has glaucoma, macular degeneration, arthritis, and mild dementia. She hasn't taken a driving test in 45 years. The last time she renewed her license in Arizona, Bing Crosby was still alive and her license is still valid. Gertrude is more of a hazard at 25 MPH than most drivers would be at 95 MPH. If the goal is to improve safety, test drivers with a written test and physical skills test at least every five years.
My point is that how safe a vehicle is on the roadway at a given speed is directly related to the design and condition of the vehicle and the experience and skill of the driver. While we certainly need speed limits, we can't be treating them as if they are absolute. They're not. That's a really good reason to have citations issued by a human being rather than a machine. He will be able to see that Gertrude needs some intervention and act accordingly. He will also be able to issue a hand full of equipment violations to the guy driving the Corolla. Both of those citations will do something ti keep you safe. Flashing someone and giving them a ticket for going 11 MPH over the speed limit will not.
