Every now and then you hear about an old law still in the books that isn’t enforced because it takes more effort to legally repeal the law than it does to simply ignore it. For example, MCL 750.32 prohibits cohabitation by divorced parties, and should they dare to defy the law, they “shall be liable to all the penalties provided by law against adultery.” Don’t forget that adultery is still a felony in Michigan, despite not being enforced.
Occasionally, new restrictions come out that pique our curiosity. Outagamie County Recycling and Solid Waste, located in Wisconsin, decided to change things up with a new speed limit – 17.3 mph. We are all used to changes in speed limits, especially around schools, construction zones, and sharp curves. But an oddly specific restriction of 17.3 mph has turned a lot of heads – which is exactly the intent.
When we drive past the same signs, buildings and locations every day, we tend to ignore little details because our brain switches to autopilot, taking in familiar sites without registering what they mean anymore. A speed limit of 17 mph is likely to catch your eye, and then tack on 0.3? It’s likely you will snap out of your fog and notice the sign instantly.
The road is mostly traversed by residents, haulers and contractors, but because it is contained within a county-operated recycling facility, it can post its own rules. Less public roads are not heavily monitored by law enforcement, which can lead to individuals ignoring the speed limit. When large work vehicles take up the lion’s share of a roadway, distracted driving and speeding become more dangerous.
Hopefully the new speed limit will help combat unsafe driving in Outagamie County, causing drivers look twice on their commute.
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