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 they 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.

1 answer

The reasoning presented has some logical flaws and oversimplifies the issue. While studies may indicate that higher fines can deter speeding, they do not consider other factors that contribute to traffic safety, such as enforcement, public awareness, and alternative solutions. Additionally, the assumption that all individuals who can afford a $50 fine will easily manage a $100 fine ignores the economic diversity within the community; higher fines might disproportionately affect those with lower incomes, potentially leading to unfair consequences. Therefore, while increasing fines may have some potential benefits, the argument lacks nuance and does not adequately address potential drawbacks or the complex nature of traffic behavior and safety.