3 ms·

A simple if speed >= speed limit, then slowly apply brakes, would be so controversial, even if we exempted cop cars and ambulances. Because "freedom." Same with

A simple if speed >= speed limit, then slowly apply brakes, would be so controversial, even if we exempted cop cars and ambulances. Because "freedom." Same with guns and if location == school zone, then don't fire.

windows2020 5y ago
If by 'freedom' you're referring to the freedom to overtake a vehicle, the freedom to escape a dangerous situation, or the freedom to rush to the hospital, I'd agree.
- librarianscott 5y ago
  Okay, so if I changed the software to prevent speeding only if you are in a school zone, would you be okay to lose your freedom to speed in the school zone, or do you still contend that you need to speed to escape your dangerous situation or rush to the hospital?
helloworld11 5y ago
Of course, it's automatically about "muh freedom" and implicitly insulting a whole culture. No reason to think that maybe, just maybe, speed limits as they stand in many places are arbitrary, overly low and specifically designed as revenue machines for vaguely corrupt municipal, state and other regional governments. The majority of people who moderately speed (a majority of people in general) have perfectly reasonable use of their faculties and judgement. They're not going over the speed limit because they're just freedom-obsessed assholes. They're doing it because their slightly elevated speed is more reasonable and relatively safe.
- librarianscott 5y ago
  Okay, so if I changed my software to allow you to speed everywhere except school zones, are you okay with that, or does is it still seem like a revenue machine or a thwart on your reasonable speeding?
captainredbeard 5y ago
That's a great illustration of why limited regulation can be desirable: if the law says you must apply brakes, it bans downshifting for engine braking (a better means to slow, arguably)! Regulation ossifies a "state" of the world and it may be inaccurate, or it may become outdated compared to the needs of the future.

windows2020 5y ago

If by 'freedom' you're referring to the freedom to overtake a vehicle, the freedom to escape a dangerous situation, or the freedom to rush to the hospital, I'd agree.

librarianscott 5y ago
Okay, so if I changed the software to prevent speeding only if you are in a school zone, would you be okay to lose your freedom to speed in the school zone, or do you still contend that you need to speed to escape your dangerous situation or rush to the hospital?

helloworld11 5y ago

Of course, it's automatically about "muh freedom" and implicitly insulting a whole culture. No reason to think that maybe, just maybe, speed limits as they stand in many places are arbitrary, overly low and specifically designed as revenue machines for vaguely corrupt municipal, state and other regional governments. The majority of people who moderately speed (a majority of people in general) have perfectly reasonable use of their faculties and judgement. They're not going over the speed limit because they're just freedom-obsessed assholes. They're doing it because their slightly elevated speed is more reasonable and relatively safe.

librarianscott 5y ago
Okay, so if I changed my software to allow you to speed everywhere except school zones, are you okay with that, or does is it still seem like a revenue machine or a thwart on your reasonable speeding?

captainredbeard 5y ago

That's a great illustration of why limited regulation can be desirable: if the law says you must apply brakes, it bans downshifting for engine braking (a better means to slow, arguably)! Regulation ossifies a "state" of the world and it may be inaccurate, or it may become outdated compared to the needs of the future.