Careers: Police/speed limits

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Expert: - 8/31/2005


Question
are posted speed limits decided for road conditions. my husband and i wre driving on rt 22 in pa and the speed limit was posted at 45 mph. at the time it was pouring rain and my son asked my husband to slow down because it was raining. my husband refused and said he was driving legal at 45 mph and was doing nothing wrong. i always thought it takes longer to stop or slow down on wet highways andit is easier to lose control of your vehicle. i only expected him to slow down to 35 or 40 mph just so we could feel safe. he refused and replied, " just let a cop try to stop me ". was i wrong to ask him to slow down for our safety?

Answer
Brenda:

  You are correct on all counts.  The posted speed limit is the "maximum safe speed during normal conditions".  Raining, slick, wet, roads are not "normal driving conditions".  

  Had the "cop" tried to stop him, the citation would be "Too fast for road conditions", or "Speed greater than reasonable and prudent".  Had he had an accident, those charges would also apply.  Rest assured, this is an easy case to prove, and win, in court, despite what your husband thinks.  I've written many citations under these exact conditions and circumstances, and haven't had difficulty proving the case.  

  It does take longer to stop on wet pavement, no matter what kind of brakes or tires you have.

Best Regards,

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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