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 550 fine, then surely they should be able to pay a $100 fine as well.

Question

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 provided to support the claim is not completely sound. While it is true that studies have shown that higher fines can result in less speeding, it does not automatically mean that doubling the fines will have the same effect. The assumption that if people can afford to pay a $550 fine, they can also afford a $100 fine overlooks the fact that people's financial situations vary, and what might be affordable for some may not be for others. Additionally, the argument does not consider other factors that may contribute to speeding, such as road conditions or driver behavior.