A new traffic law that went into effect in Florida (USA) less than a month ago has already resulted in the arrest of numerous irresponsible drivers.
The “super speed” law states that any driver caught going 50 mph (80 km/h) or more over the speed limit, or reaching a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h), will face 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.
It has been in effect for less than a month, but 70 drivers have already been penalized. According to Carscoops, the channel WFTV9 Orlando reported that 49 drivers were fined for speeds over 160 km/h, while 22 were caught exceeding the speed limit by at least 80 km/h.
Some drivers were clocked at extreme speeds of 187, 193, 219, and even 225 km/h. The driver of a Honda Civic claimed he thought the officer was “trying to chase him,” while another said he was simply late for work.
In an interview with WFTV9, a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol admitted they did not expect to see so many arrests and fines so soon after the new super speed law went into effect.
It is worth noting that motorcyclists are not exempt. So far, two have been fined for driving 140 km/h in a 35 mph (56 km/h) zone.
The most serious violation so far involved a 20-year-old driving a Dodge Challenger, who was arrested in Orlando for driving 249 km/h in a 60 mph (96 km/h) zone, 153 km/h over the limit.
“One hundred fifty over the limit — that’s a missile on the interstate. It could kill someone,” said Lieutenant Tara Crescenzi to Fox 35 Orlando.
Photo and video: Unsplash. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
