Reinstating "55," Are They Crazy?!
May 29th, 2008 Posted in Fuel, James Baxter, Speed Limits, Traffic Tickets
By James Baxter, NMA President
The same forces that resisted the use of fire many thousands of years ago are still with us, only now they are advocating the return of the national maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour.
Anyone who endured the last 22 year long “experiment” with the “folly of 55” knows that this proposal goes beyond being absurd.
The only likely beneficiaries are insurance companies (ticket surcharges), local governments that live off speed traps, P.R. firms (the genius creators of public service ads like “Save Gas Save Lives, Drive 55”) and perhaps the radar detector industry. In return, the driving public is treated to aggravation, maddening traffic flow, tickets, bloated insurance premiums, and billions of hours of lost time.
As in 1973, the justification for a snail’s pace speed limit on major highways is that it will save gasoline (and now reduce global warming).
It didn’t work then and it won’t work now. The reasons are many.
For starters only two percent of the four million miles of streets, roads and highways in the US have speed limits in excess of 55 miles per hour (approximate numbers). Of those there are many that suffer congestion and construction on a regular basis such that traffic is lucky to maintain a 40 MPH pace, let alone 55 miles per hour.
It’s true that our Interstate system carries about one third of our daily traffic volume, but here too congestion, construction, and bad weather frequently limits traffic to sub 55 speeds. In many urban areas the Interstates are already posted at 55. Granted, when conditions allow the actual speeds might be 70 or 75 MPH, but clearly the speed limit is not the controlling factor.
That brings us to point #2, public compliance.
After 22 years of propaganda, millions of tickets, and billions in insurance surcharges, actual motorist compliance on Interstate type highways ranged between five and ten percent. Those in compliance were typically mechanically unable to exceed 55.
Did it save fuel? In 1984, in what started out to be a promotional “study” of the “Benefits of the 55 MPH National Maximum Speed Limit” the Transportation Research Board (Part of the National Academy of Science) determined that keeping the 55 MPH speed limit, versus allowing the states to raise the limit to 65 MPH, would result in a 0.18 percent (less than two tenths of one percent) fuel savings (Source: TRB Report, 55: A Decade of Experience; page 176)
This is not an amount that will devastate the oil economy of the Middle East. The same study did determine that the 55 MPH national speed limit was wasting approximately one billion man hours a year (page 123). This did not include state trooper man hours being burned up enforcing an arbitrary speed limit on the safest highways in the nation.
Along with misallocating enforcement resources, the federal law forced the states to play games with their highway monitoring data, gaming the numbers so it appeared that traffic was moving slower than it really was. The states were supposed to maintain 50 percent compliance with the federal limit, they couldn’t come close, at least not honestly.
Safety? Today the national and the interstate highway fatality rate is far lower than at any time during the “55 era.” In fact, the last time the fatality rate increased from year to year was in the mid 1970’s when compliance and enforcement were at their highest levels (see chart below).
High fuel costs are certainly a burden. As individuals we can drive less, use more fuel efficient vehicles, and even drive slower, if we wish. But no sane person should wish another 55 MPH speed limit on the country. We already have a dysfunctional aviation system, let’s not allow the same thing to happen to our highways.
Source: NHTSA 2006 Traffic Facts (page 16)
Other Related Articles
- The Effect Of A National Speed Limit On Traffic Safety & Fuel Prices
- The Old Man In The Buick — And The Return Of Drive 55?
- Why Don’t Politicians Care About Transportation Issues?
- Tired Of High Gas Prices? Don’t Ask The Government For Help
- We Are Being Suckered By Miles Per Gallon Ratings
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This is ONLY about the government making MORE MONEY! nothing more and nothing less! You know in places like NY and GA the average speed limit is 80! You can FLY through the streets of NYC and the police just smile and wave at you, this is beacause they make the money for that city on towing vehicles and parking! No need for speeding tickets.. We lived in a f&#ked up world I tell ya
I am for a speed limit with ‘55′ in it, a 155mph speed limit. ;)
But why, when reasonable & prudent would work just fine.
The speed limits need to be raised on interstate highways, 100mph daytime, 80mph nightime.
We have 8, 7, and 6 speed automatics now.
Back then we had 2,3,4 speed automatics.
Say NO to 55!
Frankly, this is just another part of the “carbon credits” crowd using the “panic du jour” to line their pockets. Their focus is being emotionally satisfying to the masses, and this sound so “socially responsible.”
What drivel.
Our driver training is not good enough to support 100 mph speeds. Drive in Germany for a while and you can appreciate what an entire country trained in proper lane discipline can do. We don’t have that here and probably never will.
Yep, Big Brother is alive and well, long past 1984. Soon we’ll have cameras in our homes to catch us sneaking an illegal substance or breaking random laws — a law enforcement “reality” show much more intimate than “Cops.” Funny how many of these “enforcers” are the ones breaking the laws, not to mention the legislators that enact the laws in the first place — they all somehow “get out of it.” There have been many times I have wanted to issue my own ticket, most especially the time I witnessed two state police cars going 85-90 without lights or sirens and weaving in and out of rush-hour traffic. The sad truth is that human nature being what it is, no amount of legislating or enforcing is going to stop people from doing what they want. And let’s face it — going 55 miles an hour when everyone around is doing 70 is dangerous.
Trying to perpetuate the use of fossil fuels is madness. The word “fossil” should give us a clue that it can’t be farmed like trees to replenish the supply. Forget the da#m speed limit and worry about concentrating on alternative energy sources already! Then we can get the Middle Eastern monkey off our backs for good.
Why reduce the limit to 55 ? If people want to drive 55 to save gas there is nothing stopping them from doing that…
With the infrastructure just crumbling, 100mph isn’t going to happen anytime soon, though it should be an option for people who don’t want to fly. (or take the train/bus)
and the mileage thing, 20mpg@100mph or 30mpg@75mph
(and the sound exposure thing too)
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735
I just had an email correspondence with a man with “drive55.org” His last reply to my question concerning the fact that my annual vacation , which involves a road trip that is doable in a day with 75 limits, would require two night’s motel bill and foreshorten two of the 12 days of my vacation time at my destination, his reply “I would respectfully suggest the real problem is the planning and leave it at that” – - – I think somebody is a control freak.
He will be receiving an respectful and reasoned rebuke from me today.
The average American believes what is said on TV. Recently on ABC News, on the morning show, they said that “they” drove 58MPH to work instead of the usual 75MPH, and saved “a ton” of gas money over 4 weeks.
This stupid, narrow-minded propaganda with no scientific basis for any sort of generalization should be stopped.
Life brought me to southern Wisconsin for work. You cannot believe how passive-aggressive people can get on the road these days due to under posted speed limits as well as rising gas prices. They want to drive slow, and would use all lanes doing so, forcing everyone else to follow suit, get stressed, and miss appointments. Here in Madison, it is common to see people drive 5, 10 even 15MPH BELOW the speed limit on a regular day without traffic.
I think DMVs should from now on enforce a mandatory course on how different cars consume gas differently, so hopefully people will use good judgment and common sense rather than blindly following TV ads.
The humor in the situation is that the passive aggressive drivers end up believing they are actually doing good. So it is hard to argue with them.
Market forces will cause us to use less fuel as prices increase. We can choose to reduce unnecessary travel, and we should be free to make a rational choice to use more fuel to save time when necessary. Time is still more costly than the small fuel savings gained by driving slower.
Government needs to stop micromanaging our lives and do its part by reducing congestion, reversing it’s trend of creating it. Build sufficient road capacity, time signals to reduce stopping, and stop public transit from blocking traffic lanes with their frequent stops. Stop diverting highway funds to inefficient public transit, and get light rail on a separate right-of-way and off the streets.
The 55 limit was miserable and ineffective. Vote out politicians that endorse it.
Keep the limit at 70, but leave the CHOICE to drive 55 to me. I don’t need the .gov making another decision for me.
This is a very well written and compelling Op-Ed. We are lucky to have Mr. Baxter on our side!
I agree with the following statement by Mary:
Quote:
“Trying to perpetuate the use of fossil fuels is madness. The word “fossil” should give us a clue that it can’t be farmed like trees to replenish the supply. Forget the da#m speed limit and worry about concentrating on alternative energy sources already! Then we can get the Middle Eastern monkey off our backs for good.”
This needs to be emphasized much more than it currently is.
I’d like to see some real numbers.
Statements like “true, interstates carry about 1/3rd of our traffic, but a lot of them are already congested” do not further the discussion.
I’d like to know what percentage of total traffic is driving greater than 55mph over a week’s time. 5%? 15%? What?
THAT traffic, and ONLY that traffic, is going to “save fuel.” My guess is the number is painfully small, but let’s see a real number.
I agree that going back to 55 is unwise. When I got the notice of this article in my member email, I was prepared to immediately send it off to my driving and riding friends.
Then I read the article and noticed something crucial. It lacks significant punch in that it doesn’t really identify just what serious proposals are out there to do this, and from whom. Are there bills pending? Public policy statements being pushed by significant organizations? Media blitzes by pro-55 groups?
I’m happy to fight the good fight, but I actually need something to fight against. “They” is just too nebulous.
I second what John says, two above, about micromanaging our lives. Let individuals choose how to spend and save our money rather than telling us not to exceed 55. If they want to reduce the use of oil, or fossil fuel, let them tax petroleum, or carbon, rather than taxing our time by forcing us to spend more of it on the highway.
Which brings up a problem with the 55: if enforced, it will result in more cars being on the road at the same time, since it will take longer to get from place to place. This will increase traffic jams on crowded highways, causing greater fuel consumption.
55 DOES save gas! But we all know that speed limits are a farce and too often used as a cash cow for local and state coffers.
Have any of you actually tried driving 55-60mph insttead of 75-85+? Your gas mileage will go up significantly.
BTW, I always drive at least the speed limit, usually a little more, but always practice proper (European-style) lane discipline, but still almost get clipped by idiots doing 30-50% over the limit that wait until they are 5 feet from my rear bumper before swerving into the passing lane (even though it was clear for many 1/10ths of a mile), still partly in my lane as they fly by, and then look puzzled as I blare my horn at them and flip them off! LOL
Sure, you save a little gas going 55 instead of 70. But a little reflection shows that the savings are largely an illusion.
Example: Instead of 55 trucks moving a lot of freight at 70 mph, we would need 70 trucks doing the same job at 55 mph. That means we get to drive a LOT more useless truck, driver and fuel weight back and forth, as well as the useful cargo weight. (Same thing for cars, but worse?) Since the world is not ideal, we also get to idle those 70 trucks (instead of 55) on our even more jammed freeway, and let them idle overnight during super cold weather.
Hey, we also waste the fuel to BUILD the extra 15 trucks, and we get to heat the houses of the extra 15 drivers who could have done another useful task!
We also get a return of more single car highway deaths due to “driver inattention” (IE: sleep). Plus we enjoy more of our lives in a prison cell roughly the size of your car or truck interior, rather than enjoy grandkids or do a productive job.
Instead, let’s raise the limits to the reasonable maximum for the modern roads and vehicles. Say “NO to 55!”
Trucks aren’t supposed to be driving 70 in mostplaces (usually 55 limit, even if higher for cars). Your analogy of needing 70 turcks instead of 55 is false. It may take a little longer (10%) to arrive at the destination, but each truck can still carry the same load.
Driving 60 instead of 75 (25% higher) will save roughly 15-20% in fuel (air drag goes up with the square of velocity, but engines are more efficient (per unit of work) under higher load, so you don’t save the full 25%). Not to mention that it is easier (and safer) to maintin a steady 60 than a steady 80mph. If you spend $2000 a year in gas, that is roughly $300 in savings.
As fuel gets more and more expensive, many (intelligent) drivers will pay more attention to keeping their tires fully inflated (35-40+psi), driving efficiently (style as well as speed), and keeping their engines tuned properly.
That isn’t to say that if some don’t give a crap about saving money and giving less $$ to the mullahs in the mideast, that they shouldn’t be able to make the choice to waste their hard earned money.
To be fair the reduction in injury and fatality rates is a product of the passenger safety systems in todays vehicles.
John Dikweed, you need to move to germany.
To anyone who says “(noun here) is alive and well” – Please stop typing.
Thanks for the highly informative post, Big Poppa. Anyone who can’t post intelligently but only throws nasty little firecrackers should stop typing. Why bother if you have nothing constructive to say?
US per capita gross national product is roughly $45,000 p.a. = $24 per working hour. Below is a table which gives the costs of travelling 110 miles at 55 and 75mph. 75mph is cheaper, by $5.47, once travel time costs are factored in.
Speed MPH 55 75 75 vs 55
Distance, miles 110 110
Time, hrs 2.00 1.47 -0.53
Time cost, $/hr 24.00 24.00
Travel Time Cost $48.00 $35.20 $(12.80)
Mileage, mpg 30.00 20.00
Fuel used, gallons 3.67 5.50 1.83
Fuel cost, $/g 4.00 4.00
Travel Fuel Cost $14.67 $22.00 $7.33
Total Travel Cost $62.67 $57.20 $(5.47)
why don’t our dumb ass legislators pull there heads out of there ass and realize even if this will “save fuel” then it will make a lot of less attentive drivers.
Me personally I’m not slowing down no matter what. If anything it will make me speed up as a from of resistance to there tyranny. The problem is not the fuel its the reliance on oil. and a poorly designed traffic infrastructure. If our government officials had half a brain they would realize that reliance on oil is the problem and they would work to solve the problem. It’s like putting one band aide on a guy with twenty bullet wounds. (That would fix everything) i hate politicians there all pos that get paid off
Tim B – 55 doesn’t do anything. It’s common sense that if you drive slower, you’ll use less fuel. Why not drive 1 mph? That should save you plenty of gas.
“proper (European-style) lane discipline”
Holy god.
This is ludicrous. I can’t believe they would actually say this with a straight face. The cars of today are FAR more fuel efficient than they were 15 years ago. Most of the cars today are more aerodynamic, and have more gears. Which means they slip through the wind with better ease, and the engines are turning much slower as they cruise at highway speeds. A difference of 10-15 mph won’t make that big of a difference in fuel consumption in the long run. There goes that reason.
With advances in technology in vehicle safety our car and trucks are FAR safer than they were more than 15 years ago. For most cars back then it was still an expensive option to have Anti-Lock Brakes, Stability Control, or more than 2 Air Bags. Most cars now have all of that standard now, and have at least 6 airbags. There goes that reason.
So if better fuel economy and crash safety are the REAL reasons….help me out with this one.
Red light and speed cameras were ’supposed to reduce the number of people running red lights and exceeding the speed limit’ All those boxes and flashes are good for is enhanced revenue for the local municipality that uses them. Every time I see a flash from one of them all hear is ‘ka-ching’.
With the thought of putting the 55 MPH Speed Limit back in place I bet all of the insurance companies, and the local municipalities that use speed traps illegally sure hear ‘KA-CHING’ loud and clear!
THAT is the real reason!
I’m lucky enough to have an employer that allows me to do my part by telecommuting two-three days a week. On the other days, I try to ride my Harley (45mpg). These are my choice and work well for me.
Some people may choose to ride the bus. Some may car pool. Some may choose to drive 55mph. Or take closer vacations. Some may walk, ride bikes, move closer to work, buy better fuel economony cars (motorcycle), and on and on. But PLEASE, don’t force me to do do something I don’t “buy into”. I would just find that extremely irritating and would want to rebel against the system to make a point (Buy a Hummer and drive it to and from work everyday! LOL)
It’s all about money so: Sell speed permits, $100 a year to go 10 over the limit, $200 for 20 over. At 55, I’ll need a 40 over permit.
And another thing…
I’m tired of us consumers always having to sacrafice. Bring back “55″ is the subject of this post. What a crock!
Oil is priced in US dollars. Our government has been devaluating the dollar by firing up the currency printing presses, lowering the prime rate and bailing out wall-street (and every other enterprise in financial trouble with it’s hand held out pining for our income tax dollars)… which helps who exactly? Hasn’t helped me at all! So $US DOLLARS/barrel goes up to compensate for the devaluated dollar.
Just wait for the resulting global inflation, which is already hitting us (first is gasoline). But there is a big title wave behind that. Do you think company executive and stockholders absorb increases (higher fuel -> high transportation costs, etc) in their costs? Hell No… Companies pass on their cost increases to who?…? The consumer! So we get screwed again in another way!
Besides, $4/gal gasoline should be the least of our concern. I haven’t verified this comment, but I heard today that it’s $9/gal in Europe. They’d probably give their “first born” to get $4/gal gas. And how much do we pay for a gal of bottled water, without even batting an eye?
So my recommendation is focus on the fiscal monentary policies of our government and where our tax dollars actually go instead of on the price of a gallon of gas.
I got a little off subject there, but I do agree we need to focus our attention to fighting a 55 nationwide limit. Which I feel the 55 limit is a knee jerk reaction to a symptom of the real problem which you all have voiced in earlier posts.
Hi David,
I feel “Speed Permits” as you suggested, are just another form of “sin-taxes”…. I’m sick of those too! Arrrggggg!
Big Poppa:
Your thing about driving 1MPH is false. You will get optimal fuel economy probably somewhere between 45 and 65 depending on the car.
well i haven’t got a speeding ticket since 1993! thats because speed limits have been reasonable since then. if they do this crap i’m buying a radar detector and will go back to being a speeder, just what the insurance companies want!!!
I was just going to fax you a copy of this non-sense that I heard about last week.
Will these liberal, big government types, just stop trying to regulate, or in this case, re-regulate the people of this country! 55 was a joke from the beginning, and was unenforceable during its duration until it finely realized an unceremonious death in December 1995. Just like the other big joke regulation, prohibition. Which also ended in a similar fashion in 1933, a big federal joke and failure!!
I don’t think it will happen, but if any of this 55 talk gets off the ground, I will help the NMA in any and all ways I can, including space on my web site dedicated to ending “ticketed passengers only” past security at airports, changeairportsecurity.org.
55 should rot in the grave! We have other civil rights issues to deal with in today’s world to worry about an old relic regulation and liberal failure from 20 years past.
Averill Hecht
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Sammy Hagar said it all!! “I can’t drive 55!!
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I am in the Chicago area and I think I have another angle here. The speed limit is 55 or lower all around our area on interstates and i would guess the average speed on a Saturday morning with lite traffic is near 75. Maybe if they institute 55 on all interstates, then there will be less enforcement around here… Just kidding, actually there isn’t a lot of enforcement of the local 55 that I ever see. Haven’t had a ticket for about 8 years or so myself, but I am getting older and not inclined to do much more than 75 usually.
Anyway, national 55 would be ludicrous. I agree with what some folks have said about making your own decision; if you have more time than money, go 55 or 65 or whatever, just stay the hell out of the way and let others get where they are going at their own pace.
I’m playing the game of seeing how much I can milk my vehicles mpg’s, and as such do drive slower much of the time. On short trips, the time saved is negligible. I just keep right except to pass, and it all sorts out. Using every trick in the book that I know of, I am extracting 40-45 mpg out of my 2000 Corolla. Come August when I need to cover 1000 miles in one day, the cruise gets set to 85. That day time means more than money. I get low 30’s mpg’s on that trip.
My point is, freedom. We all get to choose the speed that is appropriate for us personally at any given time, and strict lane discipline makes everybody happy and safe.
I will fight simpleton, lowest common denominator, short sighted, big brother, and poorly thought out unrealistically slow blanket speed limit laws to the best of my ability.
Thank you NMA for being out there.
I recently drove the posted speed limits from northeastern New Mexico to mid coast California in my 4 cylinder 1995 Camry.
As many of you know, Interstate 40, where it is clear of construction and pop. centers, is mostly 75 mph from NM through AZ. I drove virtually non stop, and did it in 15 hrs or so, AND averaged 34 mpg. 55 mph may have gained me some mpg, but I don’t like to think of how long it might have taken me. And some good mid size cars LIVE at around 80.
In a recent trip in a 2006 Malibu, I got better mpg at 80 than I did at 55. Fight 55, and try saving the SUVs for other than long haul trips, if possible, and all will be well.
I Ride a Kawasaki Ninja 250; every mph over 35 reduces my fuel efficiency. That does not mean I drive 35 all the time.
I regularly drive 70-80 mph. At 35 mph I would get 75 mpg but I would much rather drive 70+ mpg and get 50+ mpg (usually I average 53 mpg).
If you care about what your paying for gas buy a more efficient vehicle, driving slower is never going to save you much.
Lets do some math, lets say your getting 30 mpg and paying $48 to the tank for 16 gallons of fuel. And lets say that slowing down gets you an 35 mpg instead. To drive 480 miles will take 13.75 gallons instead of 16 and cost $41.25 instead of 48. $6.75 times 52 weeks $351 a year. This is not a super savings and not worth the extra time spent in traffic.
Greg:
You probably already know, but a little looking around leads me to believe the guy who runs drive55.org is Tim Castleman. Who I think would be the same as the one running this site: http://timcastleman.com/500words/?m=200704
After looking around there, I’m just going to say he is certainly an interesting individual, and leave it at that.
But as for his credibility as a expert here are his own words: “Using the skills and knowledge accumulated during over 25 years of self-employment, I provide EXECUTIVE SUPPORT SERVICES to help intelligent people fulfill their mission.”
No mention of education, training, etc.
Update: Oh man look at this post he has about pedestrians and the right of way on freeways:
http://timcastleman.com/500words/?p=90
Around here pedestrians are prohibited from the freeways. :)
Excellent post by Greg, above.
I drive a ‘03 350z. That car drives and handles better at 80 than it does at 55. I just drove from Santa Barbara to Canada and averaged 27.3mpg at 71mph, for 1,295 Miles (this includes all stops and city driving, along the way).
The Z has is a v6 3.5 liter engine. My awesome gas mileage can be blamed on 21st century technology… Oh sorry thats, the VW bus driving neo hippy propaganda talking. I mean the 21st century tech is to THANK!!
For the “fun” of it I drove 55 (freeway only) on my way home from work today. for the 16 miles of freeway I averaged 29mpg. Granted the average of 16 miles is not as exact.
To drive 1,295 miles It took me About 18 hrs and 15 min (drive time) at 71mph. At 55mph it would have taken me 23 hrs and 30 min. For 5 hours and 15 minutes difference!!
At 27.3 mpg I used 47.43 gallons and if I actually could/would get 29 mpg I would have used 44.65 gallons… for a WHOPPING 2.78 gallons saved!!! wow! under $15 bucks. for 5.25 hours…. SO not worth it. Sorry
Thank you but I will move to Canada if the speeds are set to 55. (Theirs are not much better at 100km, but still)
55 mph is nothing but a big government racket. The answer to fuel problems is to start drilling for oil in Alaska, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Drilling for oil in Alaska will work just fine. Do not allow the global warming cultists tell you otherwise. The population of polar bears has quadrupled in the past 50 years according to Alaska’s governor, who is for drilling for oil.
In addition to what I previously informed you of about drilling for oil. To have this bill passed, in your URL, type WSBRADIO then hit enter. Go to the NEW Herman Cain and click. Look for Senate bill 2958. Flood these democratic senators with e-mails in charge of this to force them to respond. This must become an issue.
We don’t need 55 mph speed limits. I live in Virginia where we are stuck with 55 mph on nearly all highways. Even with the 55 mph speed limit, we have moving roadblocks every 1/4 mile. Cars using all 4 lanes and driving only 55-65 miles per hour.
There is NO PASSING LANE in Virginia. Everyone treats all 4 lanes the same. This is the most ignorant concepts I have ever heard of.
I spend a few months in Germany and could not believe my eyes. Some highways only had two lanes, yet the same number of cars were very efficiently driving at speeds over 70mph (113kph). It seemed as though freight trucks were not allowed in the left lanes. Slow cars traveled in the right lane(s) yet only passed in the left lane(s). This type of lane discipline would absolutely solve our american traffic problems.
The European system works incredibly well because people aren’t selfish like we are.
How many times are you in the left lane and someone is going 55 mph and not getting over to let you pass? I think it’s this mentality that “I don’t have to get over, and I won’t just because you tell me to” It’s very arrogant but very commonplace.
Regarding drilling for oil in Alaska, the numbers don’t add up. The world consumes 70-80 million bbl a day, Alaska, at best (once all the infrastructure is set up) could have maybe 100 million bbl in reserves. Guess what? America alone uses 3-4 million bbl per day. yeah, great way to reduce energy dependence.
The simple way: Get a smaller car, drive less, etc…I laugh at idiots on the news who complain about gas prices as they’re filling up the ole’ suburban. Oil is a finite resource. Simple supply and demand people…
[...] Reinstating 55mph? Pretty good write up. For those of you who weren’t around for the national 55mph limit prepare to slit your wrists if our elected lawyers, um…I mean politicians, bring this back. Reinstating "55," Are They Crazy?! [...]
I’M RETIRED NOW, BUT I’VE WORKED WITH TWO MAJOR OIL COMPANIES IN THE PAST. ALL THEY ARE INTERESTED IN IS THE BOTTOM LINE, EVEN AT THE DEMISE OF THE USD AS WE KNOW IT.
FOR SOME REASON THE BIG BOYS {ALA RETIRED EXXON CEO WITH A $240 MILLION SEVERENCE PACKAGE PLUS SEVERAL MILLION A YEAR IN CONSULTING FEES} DON’T THINK THAT A RUINED ECONOMY WILL EFFECT THEM. IF THEY ARE THAT STUPID, HOW WERE THEY SUCCESSFUL IN RUNNING AN EXXON, CHEVRON, ETC. THE 55 MPH WON’T DO ANYTHING BUT P— OFF THE PUBLIC AND ESPECIALLY IF THE PPG IS $4 TO $5.00 A GAL OR MORE LIKE IT’S HEADED.
CONGRESS NEEDS TO GET OFF THEIR A– AND MAKE THE OC’S PUT SOME OF THOSE QUARTERLY BILLIONS OF PROFIT BACK INTO NEW REFINERIES SO THEY CAN’T USE THE OLD SUPPLY/DEMAND EXCUSE FOR KEEPING ON RAISING PRICES AND CONTINUING TO RUIN THE ECONOMY.
I’M OLD AND IT WORRIES ME, BUT NOT FOR ME PARTICULARLY. I HAVE LIVED MOST OF MY LIFE, BUT WHAT ARE WE LETTING HAPPEN TO OUR CHILDREN AND GRANCHILDREN’S FUTURE.
THE RATE OUR LEADERS ARE LETTING THINGS GO SOUTH, THESE YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE LUCKY IF THEY HAVE A FUTURE AS THE OLDER GENERATION HAS KNOWN IT, AND ALSO THANKS TO THE OLDER GENERATION.
I HOPE THAT PROPER CHANGES ARE FORTHCOMING, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
William Wynne
Everyone’s favorite communist is for the 55mph speed limit
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/11/1148.asp
(if most, if not all, of her positions are pro in regards the 10 planks of communism, how can she not be called a communist?)
I don’t doubt everyone’s favorite socialist, Barrack Obama, is also in favor of this as well. (and everyone’s favorite insane neo-con too, John McCain)
I found it very interesting that with a car that has real-time mileage, you can clearly see that in general terms speed can be irrelevant to mileage, so long as you vary speed accordingly.
Specifically, if I drive my hybrid down a hill at 85, I because I’m going downhill I get almost 120 MPG (top end of gauge). On the converse, going up almost hill at 55, still drops me to the 30 MPG range. The lesson I’ve learned is to play the grade to max my miles per gallon (And I can get 54 if I play it right!.
Of course, you have to do this practicing road courtesy, and heavy traffic would ruin your ability to do this unless everyone did. And I will tell you I’m not a scientist and this is just my anecdotal experience. BUT, on that same track though, I can tell you when I do set the cruise control I get the worst mileage. (Constant speed regardless of grade, at or about the speed limit …when I can bear it, which is unusually only when know the special enforcement piggies are on the prowl is in effect…)
My decrepit-looking, mechanically sound 1988 Plymouth Colt E gets 28 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, traveling up to 80 mph!
Having lived through the 55 mph “double-nickel” era, who proudly joined the NMA to help get the 55 mph NMSL repealed, I have no desire to relive it again! Those who supported it then and support it now believe in “velociphobia,” or fear of speed. We are living without 55 just fine! NO THANK YOU!
Go tell the govt making the speed limit hurts illegals and they will put in a constitutional ammendment that it be 100.