What factors are used in determining speed limits?

Several elements influence what limits officials place on driving speed, including the road’s condition and accident history, traffic volume, terrain and pedestrian activity, said Steve Jiles, the state highway department’s regional head.

But the most important factor, he said, is generally the “85th percentile speed” — the speed at or below which 85 percent of drivers travel. It’s determined from a sample of 100 randomly chosen vehicles, whose speeds are gauged using radar guns or distance calculations, Jiles said.

The 85th percentile speed is widely considered a safe, reasonable limit — one that represents a consensus among drivers, he said.

“Speed limits established far below the 85th percentile speed do not facilitate the orderly movement of traffic, are difficult to enforce, and generally regarded with contempt by motorists,” Jiles wrote in an email.

Online: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov.

Purchases subject to tax only once

If you’re a Louisiana resident and you buy something in Texas and they charge you tax, are you still liable for Louisiana tax?

No.

“Individuals in Louisiana are responsible for paying use tax on an out-of-state purchase when the item purchased is subject to the Louisiana sales tax and the retailer making the sale does not collect sales tax on the sale,” reads the state Revenue Department’s website.

“Items that are subject to sales tax include computers and other electronic equipment, canned software, books, audio and video tapes, compact discs, records, clothing, appliances, furniture and other home furnishings, sporting goods, jewelry, and etc. Out-of-state retailers include mail-order catalogs, television shopping networks, firms selling over the internet, and retailers located outside Louisiana.”

The tax can be paid via state income tax returns. For more information, call the Revenue Department’s local office at 491-2504.

Online: www.revenue.louisiana.gov.

Widows may use their own names

What is the proper title for a widow?

“Traditionally, a widow retains her husband’s name until she remarries: Mrs. Thomas Wells. Today, Mrs. (Ms.) Courtney Wells is equally correct,” reads “Emily Post’s Etiquette: Manners for a New World,” the latest edition of the “Etiquette” franchise.

“If you don’t know how to introduce or address a widow, it’s preferable to side with tradition and use her husband’s first name. Better yet, ask and make a note of her preference.”

Online: www.emilypost.com.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com

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