Federal Speed Limit - Good for Economy?

[dollardaze]

There is some talk in Congress about bringing about another federal speed limit. Once Congressman says that Americans saved 167,000 barrels of oil a day when the last federal speed limit of 55 mph was in effect.

Thus far, Congress has made no move toward resurrecting the 55 mph speed limit, but one of the Senate's senior members -- Republican John Warner of Virginia -- says it's time to start the conversation about an energy-saving national speed limit to help spare Americans from skyrocketing fuel costs.

By Dave Montgomery

I remember the last time we had a nationwide speed limit of 55 mph. It probably would save us a lot of gasoline, if we would travel a little more slowly. The problem is that many people didn't pay any attention to that speed limit, some don't even pay any attention to the higher speed limits we have today. I'm not sure this will help a lot, but I've been traveling at a slower speed already, trying to save a little gas.

Federal Speed Limit - Good for Economy?

[pennypinch]

I agree with you and think a lot of people wouldn't pay much attention to the lower speed limits. Others would though, like me, I cannot afford to get speeding tickets so I usually follow the speed limits. I think this would be a very controversial topic for people who have to travel to and from work each day. They are not going to want to be delayed by lowered speed limits.

[moneysense]

I also remember when the speed limit was set for all at 55 mph, but I also seem to remember some controversy as to the safety of having all traffic moving at the same speed.

Right now truckers have a 55 mph mandatory speed limit so I think that dropping the speed limit for cars to 60 would not only help save on gasoline, but keep the roadways safer than having all traffic moving at the same speed.

[dimetime]

I think that maybe lowering the speed limit to 60 would be a good idea. It is a gas saver to drive slow, and a whole lot safer. Another plus to this is, we all know that the conditions of most roads are not the best, we always see potholes and cracks that look like they can swallow a small car, so driving more slowly will also help you save on costly car repairs.
I also agree with pennypinch, I know that we can not afford a speeding ticket, so driving slower is the better way to go all around!