Daily Nebraskan

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News

Steven Kaiser drives a white, 1991 Chevy Camero. He usually likes to drive fast, but a new law might be slowing him and other drivers down this year.

Earlier this month, Gov. Dave Heineman signed a bill that will increase the maximum speeding penalty to $300. The previous law had the maximum penalty at $200 for any speeding violations more than 21 mph or more. Drivers caught going more than 35 mph may have the new maximum penalty imposed on them.

Kaiser, a sophomore food science major, has received two speeding tickets in the past four years. In both cases, he was able to take stop class instead of paying the fine.

However, he does admit to driving up to 35 mph over the speed limit in some rural areas.

"I have gone that fast, to be perfectly honest," Kaiser said.

Kaiser still thinks the increasing the penalties may not be a bad idea.

People really shouldn't be gong that fast, said Kaiser, speed limits are meant to keep people safe.

"Safety of the public is the utmost importance to us," said Jim Davis University Police education officer.

People driving that quickly can be sighted for reckless endangerment, Davis said. That's the primary reason for radar and pulling people over for speeding, he said, it's to prevent injuries.

"It's another tool in our arsenal that we can use to slow people down," Davis said. "If you dig into someone's pocketbook a little deeper, they're going to lighten up their foot."

There were approximately 380 speeding violations in the campus area in 2007, Davis said. However, police very seldom come across people traveling 35 mph above the speed limit. The purpose of the new law may be to discourage drivers from speeding in rural areas, where it is more of a problem.

The new law also deducts four points from a driver's license as part of this penalty. If a driver accumulates 12 points in a two-year period, a person may lose his or her license.

Speeding is an infraction, that's why it only goes on a driving record, Davis said.

This law is expected to take effect in mid-July.

mimiabebe@dailynebraskan.com

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