Speed isn't dangerous in of itself, it's RECKLESS DRIVING that creates the danger. Why shouldn't people be able to drive down a near-empty highway at 80 MPH when the speed limit is 55 MPH? Because it's illegal?
What is the purpose of law, anyway? I've always thought it was to protect the whole of society from the few that would indulge their desires in a way that endangers life, health, or welfare. In a sense, law in the US is supposed to recognize the freedoms of individuals, so long as indulging in your freedoms doesn't trample those of others.
Speed laws are about one thing: money. It's a way for politicians and beaurocrats to effectively raise taxes without having to actually do so, under the guise of "public safety." Here in Texas, speed limits are calculated by monitoring traffic flow, averaging speeds, and figuring 85% of that number -- guaranteeing that a percentage of drivers will be "speeding."
If the government is going to penalize us for exceeding the speed limit, using the "logic" that driving above a posted speed is dangerous, then in effect, they are saying that driving at or below that speed is safe. If that's so, then why can't citizens sue the government when traffic accidents occur at or below the posted limits, where it can be shown that had those involved been driving slower, the accident wouldn't have occured? In virtually EVERY traffic accident, driving slower would have prevented it, having given those involved more time and distance to react.
Driving at 0 MPH would prevent 100% of traffic accidents, but that would be ridiculous. I'm not saying that there is no maximum safe speed, but I'm saying that it is different for every driver, at every moment. The maximum safe speed (i.e. the highest speed at which you can control your vehicle at a given moment) depends upon dozens of factors, including (but not limited to): visibility, weather, type of vehicle, it's condition, driver mood, the current surroundings, other traffic, driving skill, blood alcohol level, use of drugs (even legal ones), enviroment inside the vehicle, etc.
I could go on, but this is already pushing on being OT. Rant mode off. Apologies in advance to the mods if you feel it's out of place; I didn't.