‘Going with the flow’ a prudent technique

In his Thursday letter, James Fenters asks, “Why have any traffic signs if drivers will not obey them?”

It seems the common consensus is that a posted speed limit is an absolute. Often, however, a posted limit is too fast for conditions, and this rule is suspended. A motorist is allowed to drive slower than the posted limit. If a driver chooses to drive slower without cause, though, they put themselves and others in harm’s way.

There are many times when it is reasonable to drive faster than the posted limit, as well.

A skilled driver decides a safe speed. There are a few motorists who drive too fast for conditions, and there are those who drive too slow — both drivers are equally dangerous.

“Going with the flow” does not reflect mob mentality, as Mr. Fenters wrote. It is prudent according to sound traffic engineering principles to drive with the flow of traffic. State transportation officials should be setting the speed limit by conducting traffic studies on the prevailing flow of traffic, rather than arbitrarily setting an unreasonably low limit and then trying to force motorists to observe them.

Study after study has shown that when the posted limit reflects the flow speed, the speed of traffic will adjust and become more even — and the accident rate will lower.

D. Gail Morrison

LAS VEGAS

Recycling arguments

To the editor:

I strongly disagree with letter writer Jim Steffner and other opponents of the suggested recycling schedule. In his Tuesday letter, Mr. Steffner stated that “changing a schedule or providing a single, large cumbersome container will not increase the amount of recycling by making the process easier or more user friendly.”

He’s wrong. I know because, as a Gilbert, Ariz., five years ago, I used exactly the system and schedule the waste management company is proposing.

We had a single large container for recycling and a single large container for garbage. Each was picked up once a week. Our recycling container was kept in the garage because it didn’t smell. It was full each week with milk containers, cereal boxes, soda cans, newspapers and so forth. It was easy to use — no sorting — and it made us feel like we were doing something to contribute to recycling.

Our garbage container was also picked up weekly. It stayed on the side yard because of garbage odor. Two things help combat that: kitty litter in the bottom of the container and bagging all garbage. Once-weekly pickup was more than adequate.

We were extremely disappointed by the weak recycling system when we moved to Las Vegas. Three tiny bins hold next to nothing, and we got sick of making the effort very quickly. I don’t mind sorting, but one bin barely holds three milk jugs, much less two weeks’ worth.

I look forward to the implementation of the new system. I hope they move forward with it. I know they successfully use this system in many communities in Arizona including Gilbert and Scottsdale, where temperatures are higher than they are here in Las Vegas.

Cayce Newton

LAS VEGAS

Power trip

To the editor:

Upon reading the letters about monthly electric bills being near $400 or more, my reaction was, “Huh?”

I have a 2,000-square-foot home, and someone is home most days, including a 15-year-old son. We keep the house comfortable, cooling it in the morning when rates are low and then letting it get up to about 85 or 90 late in the afternoon before turning on the AC again. We have just a couple of incandescent lights.

Our bill is never more than $250 a month, and for July it was under $230. So either the people complaining are using inefficient units, have other systems — such as a lot of TVs or a stove that uses a lot of electricity — or perhaps their meter is not working correctly.

Doug Nusbaum

HENDERSON

Drug war

To the editor:

I had a good laugh when I read Sunday’s lead story in the Viewpoints section, “The war on drugs is lost.” There’s never been a war on drugs. If our government really wanted to end the drug problem in this country, it could — and in a relatively short period of time.

Make drug dealing and drug running capital offenses. First time an individual is found guilty, 10 years. Period. No early outs, no “good behavior.” Ten hard years. Second time, death by lethal injection. End of problem. End of story.

Chuck Young

HENDERSON

Big spenders

To the editor:

John Farrish’s Saturday letter states the truth about there being no federal deficit prior to the Bush administration. What he fails to mention, though, is that the cost of the security of our country has risen considerably since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

You don’t have to agree with the current administration’s war on terror, but it is obvious that more should have been spent prior to President Bush’s terms.

I agree the deficit needs to be erased. Maybe instead of raising current tax liabilities, Congress should first be more accountable for their spending habits. To blame this deficit only on the tax cuts only shows the political partisanship that is destroying our great country.

KYLE OTTO

LAS VEGAS