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.

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 4 sentences.

Answer 1

The reasoning given to support the claim of doubling fines for speeding is not entirely sound. While it is true that studies show higher fines result in less speeding, it does not necessarily mean that doubling the fines is the best approach. The argument also overlooks potential socio-economic factors, assuming that if someone can afford a $50 fine, they can afford a $100 fine as well. Additionally, there may be other ways to improve safety on the roads that are not dependent solely on increasing fines.