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 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.

Answer 1

The reasoning is weak because it rests on unsupported and oversimplified assumptions. Simply citing “studies” without showing they apply to this town or that doubling fines produces the same reduction in speeding ignores how responsive drivers actually are to price changes. It also assumes ability to pay equals fairness, which ignores the disproportionate burden higher flat fines place on low-income residents and potential equity or enforcement issues. A better argument would cite local evidence of deterrence elasticity and consider alternative or complementary measures (graduated fines, enforcement, engineering, education).