Oil Crisis---reduction in speed limits---

[emc]

I can remember when Richard Nixon dropped the speed limits to 55 mph when they were nationally 65 on interstates----I was a trucker and it had its toll on time spent between points of delivery----

Its seems to me with the rising oil crisis, more deaths on highways-up 33%----out here in the west (I-10) its 75 on interstates and people exceed speeds even as high as they are... Trucks roll at 80 which is too fast for tires and loads and roll overs account for majority of deaths--trucks and autos...----Over corrections when falling asleep, blowouts----etc. are the prime reasons for death ---I have personally know people here in this part of country who experienced blow outs at 80 and lost control and rolled over----fortunately they were belted in..Also it is a proven fact that for every 5mph over 55, you loose efficiency in fuel----in other words, the faster over 55, the less gas mileage you get---drag, friction---etc..

My reason for this post is to see how people would feel about a reduction in speed limits----and at the same time be able to smell the roses...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I like 55

in fact, I don't like to go much over that even now. I feel it was a sane thing to do then, and I think it should be reinstituted.

[mopinko]

2. enforce the ones on the books

if you go the speed limit around here, they will blow your doors off.

[donco6]

3. Ha! Just try . . .

. . . going 55 around here - even during rush hour. You'd be mowed down in two seconds.

[yellowcanine]

4. Republicans in congress will never approve it

The 55 mph speed limit was demonized as big government interference in states' rights and the God given right to travel 70 mph on the interstate. With a Republican congress and Bush as president I don't see it happening. Bush has been loath to ask for sacrifice from Americans of any kind. He would rather pander for votes - look at the tax cuts and how he and the Republicans are willing to risk destroying the solvency of Social Security rather than ask wealthy people to pay a few more bucks in taxes.

[EDT]

5. This question should be answered with more than you as the driver angle.

And by that I don't mean "you" as the original poster, but everyone who replies to this thread.

I think for people who drive long distances for work, it is much tougher to say "reduce the speed limit", as it means a few hours more a week behind the wheel.

I live 1000 feet from where I work, and have always driven eco-boxes, but happen to work with someone who drives 1.5 hours each way now, and can see how the decrease would piss them off.

Eco-boxes really start to lose their MPG over 65 I've found, with a max zone of good gas mileage around 45-50 mph with good weather.

I think there should be more enphasis on people driving eco-boxes than SUV's, with speed limit changes secondary.

[emc]

6. there are two or more angles to look at this from

First, if the speed limit was reduced, you would have to put more drivers on----trucking companys, delivery maybe even more jobs created other places---ware house men, etc. Think of the gas savings----Then think of law enforcement, it would probably go up I would guess, trying to keep people at the speed limits----

As far as keeping people within the speed limits, thats possible now----its called a govenor----trucking companies have been using them for years----you cant exceed the govenor----and you cant tamper with it either----

Im just trying to find out how people would feel about a reduction of speed limits-----I know its not a reality with republicans ---

[theshadow]

7. If You Want To Lose Sleep....

get the book "Out of Gas: The End of the Age of Oil" from the library. It's downright depressing to see how little time we have left before we run out of the stuff. A 55mph speed limit might seem like a luxury someday. You can see more at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0393058573/ref=pd_sim_books_1/102-8008826-9040107?v=glance&s=books

[BeFree]

9. Yep. The age of cheap oil draws nigh.

There ain't no two ways about it. Cheap oil is about to go the way of the dodo, the ivory billed, and the dinosaurs... extinct.

In the meantime consider this math: 100 gallons divided by 10 people equals 10 gallons each. Now 5 of the people's autos use 10 gallons to go 100 miles while the other five get 50 miles to the gallon. Which group of people will run out of gas first? Or do you even care? Most people don't.

[lanparty]

8. Raise CAFE standards

Raise the Corporate average fuel economy standards. Provide DIRECT subsidies for vehicles that can make 50+ mpg.

Good luck trying to reduce speed limits.