Why Governments Shouldn’t Build 300 MPH Highways

Why does the novelty of reaching speeds over 300 miles per hour with a car such as the Bugatti pose challenges to governments considering the construction of dedicated highways? What are the implications for public safety and fiscal responsibility?

To understand whether governments should build new highways for 300 mph vehicles, let's explore the challenges and benefits:

A 300 MPH Bugatti and the Current Highway Infrastructure

A 300 mph Bugatti can be legally driven in the United States, provided it meets road safety standards, such as having appropriate lights and safety features. However, our current highway infrastructure is not designed to accommodate such speeds. Drivers traveling at 300 miles per hour would need a special highway, which is more expensive to build and maintain:

300 mph is equivalent to about 9 minutes of gas tank capacity. If the owners of these supercars can afford them, they can also afford to build and maintain their own dedicated play lanes. Instead of using public tax dollars to support these wealthy individuals, they should pay for their own tracks and facilities.

The Impact on Public Safety and Fiscal Responsibility

Allowing such high-speed cars to race on public highways would pose significant public safety risks. Mixing vehicles capable of over 200 mph with cars traveling at 60-75 mph creates a dangerous scenario. Even if highways were built just for such vehicles, the cost and maintenance would be substantial, and the usage might be limited:

Building a dedicated highway for vehicles that can go over 200 mph could lead to collisions with regular cars. Moreover, such a highway might see minimal use, making the investment in construction and maintenance not economically viable. Governments should consider alternative solutions such as race tracks and private roads where owners can enjoy such vehicles safely.

Private Solutions Over Public Spending

The reality is that wealthy individuals who can afford these supercars can also invest in their own infrastructure. Race tracks and private roads are viable alternatives to public highways. It's impractical to use public funds to support such a niche market:

Rich individuals who can purchase a Bugatti can also afford to buy and manage their own land for race tracks. Governments do not have an obligation to fund such luxury. Private sectors should bear the costs of building and maintaining tracks to support high-speed driving.

The Role of Private Land and Salt Pans for High-Speed Driving

Most speed driving is done on wide, flat salt pans, which are not urban roadways. These locations are far from populated areas, reducing public safety concerns. While public roads are not ideal for high-speed driving, race tracks and private roads serve the same purpose and are safer:

The dangers of high-speed driving on public roads lie in the potential for accidents with other vehicles. If all other cars were removed from the roads, many more would be capable of higher speeds. However, dedicated race tracks and private roads offer a safer and more contained environment for such vehicles than public highways.

Conclusion

While the allure of reaching 300 mph is tempting, the benefits of building new highways for such vehicles do not outweigh the costs and risks to public safety. Governments should prioritize infrastructure that benefits the broader population. Private sectors can invest in their own solutions, ensuring the enjoyment of these supercars is done safely and responsibly away from public roads.

Key Points:

300 mph cars require a different infrastructure than current highways. Public funds should not be used to support luxury vehicle safety. Race tracks and private roads provide safer alternatives for high-speed driving.

In conclusion, the public should focus on infrastructure that truly benefits everyone, while wealthy individuals can invest in their own dedicated tracks. This approach ensures that high-speed driving remains safe and enjoyed by those who can afford it, without compromising public safety and fiscal responsibility.