By its very definition, speed is a rate. Miles per hour. Meters per second. Parsecs per microcentury.

Follow me.

  1. High rate of speed is redundant.
  2. High rate of miles per hour.
  3. High miles per hour of miles per hour.

Savvy? The redundancy of “high rate of speed” isn’t necessary.

Now consider this scenario.

“Sir, do you know why I pulled you over? You are driving at a high rate of speed.”

The next time I get a speeding ticket I’ll educate the law enforcement officer of his error in the science of reasoning.

“And do you know why I was purposely speeding, officer? So you would pull me over for a traffic stop. And now I can inform you ‘high rate of speed’ is redundant. I understand law enforcement officers are prone to stating ‘high rate of speed.’ By definition speed is a rate. It is unnecessary qualifying speed as a rate.

“It is the same as saying ‘high rate of miles per hour of miles per hour.

“So now you know. Speed is a rate. And high rate of speed is redundant.

“Now go tell your fellow law enforcement officers and be sure to let them know I am the one who educated you and by extension I educated them. In case they want to send me a fruit basket. You have my contact info on that paper I just signed.

“You’re welcome, officer. I’m fond of kiwi and peaches but not pineapple. Have a lovely rest of your day.”

This is an excellent idea because law enforcement officers enjoy and appreciate being educated and corrected, especially during a traffic stop where I’ve been speeding. With no repercussions. With heartfelt thanks. Just not at a high rate a speed.