A USA Today study confirms drivers are speeding faster than ever. After analyzing 1.2 million speeders, college student's fall within the age group ticketed most. As we shift into overdrive, what are university police officers doing to prevent the problem from happening at Buffalo State College?

Although the speed limit on campus is only 25 mph, the infractions are still enforced. University police officers issue tickets to violators and use radar as an enforcement tool. The officer may use his or her discretion to decide whether to issue a summons or a warning. UPD Chief Roger Wisniewski said with the amount of students and faculty on campus, as well as a Buffalo public school, speeding is a dangerous activity that can't be tolerated.

Even though speeding infractions occur on campus, students are more likely to be pulled over for violations on area highways.

Why people speed

USA Today research confirmed drivers who speed regard the posted limits as a minimum, but limits vary from state to state.

“I believe it is part of our American culture. The sign may say maximum speed as posted, however, most people accept the fact they can go at least that fast without being issued a summons,” Wisniewski said.

Enforcement

There are several ways for enforcing the speed limit. Drivers caught speeding may be issued points on their license. The following is a look at New York state's point system:

Over speed limit Points

• 1-10 mph 3
• 11-20 mph 4
• 21-30 mph 6
• 31-40 mph 8
• More than 40 mph 11 (automatic suspension)

For more information on the state's vehicle & traffic laws:

Buffalo State Criminal justice professor James Fox believes better enforcement comes from a realistic policy.

“If there was a slightly higher legal limit on freeways, and stricter enforcement in residential areas, the public would give the law greater respect, and thus greater compliance,” he said.

Ultimately, the police decide the degree to which speeding is enforced.

“Only increased police presence and reduced officer discretion will increase enforcement. Neither of these is likely in the current law enforcement climate,” said Buffalo State associate professor Scott Johnson.

Taking enforcement to a new level

Some states are now reporting the names of high-speed drivers to the media in an effort to slow them down.

“I think it is a very good idea. High-speed drivers need to be known in the community where they live and work. In some cases, this can create peer pressure and embarrassment to the individual and focus attention upon themselves, and the risk they represent to the rest of the community,” Wisniewski said.

But is this new way of punishing violators effective?

“Posting the names of speeders will make very little difference in this behavior because it is for excessive speeding, which most people do not do. Those who do it won't think they'll get caught,” Johnson said.

The effectiveness of radar detectors

Radar detectors have been a tool used to help prevent getting a ticket. The detectors receive specific microwave transmissions from a police radar gun. The device intercepts the beams, which sets off an alarm and gives drivers time to slow down. But now, the police are turning to laser beam technology, which detectors do not pick up. Some people believe the detectors should be banned.

“The only, only, only reason to have a radar detector is to help you break the law,” according to Julie Rochman, in a National Institute of Highway Safety article.

Email: solana23@mail.buffalostate.edu