55 MPH National speed limit reconsidered

[Jbs2763]

If the folks in DC really wanted to enviro friendly, and bow to the "green" lobby....they would put it back in place.....me being in a semi...i deal with 55 in IL, TN, OH, MI, CA, and OR

i say go for it...at 80 my pickup is turning 2800 rpm at double nickel, about 1200, when you factor in the coefficienct of drag, and the lower engine speed...yeah it'll save a ton of gas

as long as they enforce it...i say corporal punishment for speeding.....ie...you speed..you get a spanking..... lol

[Jbs2763]

one of the things the feds are considering in Canada, and the US is speed limiters on commerical trucks....they are now saying its for fuel savings...so why not put them on cars too...re-enact the national speed limit and put speed limiters on all the cars on the road...it can be done rather i assume with modern ecm's.... they wanna be truly "green" do something that actually does something that will have results

Personally, I'd support a national effort if it was put into place (cuz I hate speeding tickets!), but I am against a national mandate of 55mph. I lived in Oregon for years and love it in Utah and Idaho where I can go 75ph. I have a very fuel efficient car, and thats how I choose to sacrifice. I think 55mph should be encouraged, but I think it should be the choice of the driver, not a mandate from Congress.

[Jbs2763]

you dont have rights to drive fast anymore wordflood....you are hurting the poor lil' polar bears......tsk tsk tsk

[SundaeSarah]

a few weeks ago I put this to the test and drove 60 mph for 100 miles on my way home. The freeway wasn't crowded, so no one was put out at me. I did save gas though! But I think that some of these ppl that have a need for speed and go 85-90 mph (spd limit is 75) might have a melt down driving that slowly. When I drive home to WA, and have to pass thru Oregon it makes me crazy to have to go so slow!! I have to set my cruise control because I naturally want to go faster.

[RachelleDrew]

I think it's important that our national government does not create a set speed limit for all states. Driving 55 MPH in the plains of Nebraska is much different than driving 55 MPH on the hills of Wyoming, not every state has a need for a low speed limit, and not every state has the terrain for a higher speed limit.

This is something that I think should be left up to the states.

I have yet to try saving gas in the manner that you've mentioned. If I didn't already have so many speeding tickets, I would give it a shot.

[john doe]

I agree, the feds should not be mandating speed limits. It should be set by the individual state. Or not at all, as it used to be in some parts of Montana.

[Palerider]

I would have to attend therapy classes....called..."I can't drive 55 "....

[Heavenguard]

It would be possible to put into cars speed limiters that respect each state's maximum speed limits. All it would take is a built-in GPS system and a database of each State's/area's limits. Of course, then you're paying for a built in GPS system. But then, I suppose, you could have the added bonus of every car coming with one?

[john doe]

Well, if they set the speed limiter at 120mph, I wouldn't have a problem with it. But to have big brother tell you that there is absolutely no reason for you to ever need to go faster than the posted limit is a little too controlling for my tastes.