Question

Our town should double its fines for speeding. Studies show that higher fines result in less speeding, so increasing the fees should improve safety. There is no reason not to do this. If people can afford to pay a $50 fine, then surely that should be able to pay a $100 fine as well.

How sound is the reasoning given to support the claim "Our town should double its fines for speeding"? Explain your response in 3 to 5 sentences.

Answer 1

The reasoning presented has some logical flaws. While it is true that higher fines can deter speeding, the assumption that people who can afford a $50 fine can also easily afford a $100 fine overlooks individual financial circumstances. This could disproportionately impact lower-income drivers, potentially creating a regressive effect rather than improving overall safety. Additionally, the argument lacks consideration of other factors that contribute to speeding, such as road conditions, traffic enforcement presence, and driver behavior. Thus, while increasing fines might help reduce speeding to some extent, it should be considered in the context of a broader strategy to promote road safety.