Question

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.

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.

The reasoning given to support the claim "Our town should double its fines for speeding" is not sound. The argument assumes that higher fines will automatically lead to less speeding based on studies, but it fails to provide any specific evidence or references to support this claim. Additionally, the argument overlooks the fact that affordability of fines may not be the main factor that determines speeding behavior. Other factors such as driver education, enforcement, and road conditions should also be considered. Lastly, the reasoning dismisses any potential counterarguments or drawbacks to doubling the fines, indicating a lack of logical analysis.