Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Automotive News & Views Should the US government bring back the 55 mph max speed limit again?
1418 messages, Last post on Dec 16, 2008 at 11:21 AM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
|
Replying to: fezo (Dec 05, 2007 7:08 am) Studies have consistently shown that people who drive faster than the flow of traffic on limited access highways are the better drivers (i.e. they have fewer accidents), and there is no definitive link between higher speeds and more fatalities. Also note that the fatality rates (as expressed in fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled) have been declining for decades, even as average speeds increased - long before safety equipment became standard and long before the 55 mph speed limit. And while the effects of more safety equipment are certainly beneficial - and appreciated - they only undermine the "we should all go slower for safety" argument even more. If new vehicles are more capable of handling these speeds - well, then why not drive them?
|
|
|
are geared to cruise at 65-70 mpg. For ones equipped with an automatic that drops the RPM into the 1900 range. Dropping the speed limit to 55 isn't going to help much when your best highway fuel mileage is calculated with a locked torque converter at 65. I have to agree with whoever said diesel would be a much better solution. It will make half of the tree huggers mad but it would be a better solution than a 55 MPH speed limit. |
|
|
Replying to: grbeck (Dec 05, 2007 10:21 am) Because they burn more gas? (Please don't forget about the Who Pays for our Roads? discussion either.  )
|
|
|
Replying to: steve_ (Dec 05, 2007 10:56 am) 
|
|
|
Replying to: grbeck (Dec 05, 2007 11:29 am) Let's see, your plate ends in an even number, so you can drive Wednesdays and Fridays. Or meet the gas bootlegger at midnight down by the old mill stream. |
|
We would all drive the current speed LIMIT or 5mph slower on our freeways, bet that would lower our dependence on foreign oil by 5% or so. I don't think it would drastically alter anyone's lifestyle either. Why not try it for a week yourself? You might find that the daily commute is less stressful and more enjoyable.
|
|
|
Replying to: keepinon (Dec 05, 2007 12:34 pm) |
|
|
Replying to: keepinon (Dec 05, 2007 12:34 pm) Plus there is nothing more frustrating than getting behind a left lane vigilante doing 55 when the speed limit is posted at 65. With freeway walls twenty feet high designed to keep local neighborhoods free from the sounds of the highway there is nothing to enjoy as you drive down the freeway anyway. |
|
|
Replying to: grbeck (Dec 05, 2007 10:21 am) This works for me! I must be great then. I figure that with the fewer fatalities you have to be looking at better car, better drivers or better roads. I'd place my bet on better cars. I don't really think there's much of an added benefit to slowing it to 55. |
|
|
|
I feel that with the major changes to modern day vehicles and motorcycles,the need to limit speed would be counter productive. It didn't work then and is far less likely to work today. Most "everyday traffic" cruises along at between 70 and 80 and is pretty drama free. If drivers were to be more respectful of the number 1 and 2 lanes being used for passing and faster traffic, there would be far less congestion and an overall smoother commute for many in urban areas. I live in San Diego and just don't understand why some drivers forget what they were taught in drivers education classes and the drivers handbook. The passing lane is for passing...not having a chat on your cellpone, oblivious to your surroundings!
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Automotive News & Views Should the US government bring back the 55 mph max speed limit again?
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
