I don't speed much on the interstate. 5 to 10 mph tops. I like getting good gas mileage and the peace of mind knowing I'm not likely to get pulled over.

I have no problem with people that drive faster than that on the open road. That's their choice and their risk.

But in construction zones I don't speed at all. There always seem to be cops around... but more importantly there are PEOPLE ON FOOT around... sometimes working just a few feet from driving lanes where tons of steel zip by quickly.

I couldn't believe what I saw for about an hour today in Wentzville as the Missouri Highway Patrol pulled people over left and right for going 10, 15, 25 miles per hour above the 45-miles-per-hour speed limit while some workers were out there.

It doesn't appear any of those who got tickets meant to put anyone in danger. Most told the troopers they didn't realize how fast they were going. Troopers say that's probably true because many are talking on their cell phones as they whiz by. No excuse.

Ironically one person near the construction site pulled over (not for speeding but making an illegal U-turn in an intersection near Highway 40) had a bumper sticker on the back of his truck that said, "We lost our friend in a work zone."

---