"Congress adopted a nationwide 55 mph speed limit law during the oil embargo of the 1970s and threatened to withhold highway funding for any state that didn't comply. It repealed the law 13 years ago, when oil was cheap and gas plentiful. But with prices going through the roof and everyone worried about global warming, there are increasing calls for Congress to bring back the double-nickel speed limit.

Advocacy groups like drive55.org say rolling the speed limit back to 55 will save fuel, reduce pollution and save lives. It seems logical, but not everyone is convinced slower speeds bring any real benefit, and the debate is heating up."

http://blog.wired.com/cars/...with-gas-prices.html

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[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 12-05-2008).]

well - there is a HUGE fuel consumption difference between 55 & 70.

how can anyone be unconvinced of JUST the fuel savings? the pollution reduction goes with the fuel savings - and the lives - basicly speculation.

but - doesnt mean I like the idea. I LIKE setting my cruise at 70. actually - its usally just a little lower - 67 I think - whatever 2k on the tach is.

there is something to be said about reducing traffic by getting the cars to where they are going quicker.

and, for the fuel conscieous - go 55. min speed is 45. do that if ya like - just be sure to heed the "SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" - and this is really where that carries the most weight - the freeway. it applies to ALL streets & roads - but doubly on the freeway.

I wouldn't mind much, I only drive about 60mph anyway. The money I'm saving on gas is well worth leaving a bit earlier in the morning. I can get around 30mpg at 55mph, up from my average 24mpg.

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: ... just be sure to heed the "SLOW TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT"

You do lead a rich fantasy life, don't you!

Yea, the saftey factor is just pure speculation.

I like the part "and threatend to withhold highway funding", so the federal government can madate laws the people have not voted for, and blackmail them into following them? How democratic. They did the same thing with seatbelt laws, few states wanted them, but all the other ones risked loosing funding if they didnt enforce them. They do it all the time, its pure bulls... , if states want the law, they can propose it and have a vote for it, if the majority want it, we get it. I would vote against it, the government collects enough driving taxes (tickets) from motorists as it is, and anyone who wants to drive 55 can.

55MPH will save you a lot of gas, but I doubt you will see a cost effective savings from driving slower, I've done the math, it doesnt work out to more than a few cents an hour, and my time is worth a lot more than that. However, the satisfaction I get from getting 700 miles to a tank is worth more, so I justify it that way, lol.

As much as I hate to say it, I have gotten better fuel economy on all my vehicles if I stay at or below 60MPH. I did not believe it at first, but my wallet does not lie.

quote Originally posted by Raydar: You do lead a rich fantasy life, don't you!

lol - ya ya. my vehicles have well worn horns....and high beam flashes.....and...when that fails, pass on right (ug...), and I will then pull in front of them and go even slower....

I have found the main reason people go slow in the fast lane - is because it is easy - there is no traffic in front of you. you can talk on the phone, read the paper, whatever. that - and some dont know any better.

I couldn't care less where they put the speed limit, I try to drive at the most economical speed now anyway. As far as those slow vehicles staying in the right lane, I agree. I really try to do that especially when I'm in my truck/trailer hauling someone else's car (s). But, when I do have a reason to get into the left lane, normally for passing, then some jerk wad decides to get on my bumper, well, I've restrained myself but, the brake check idea has run through my mind more than once. I really try to not tail gate and I hate being tailgated. Give me a minute to get out of the way and go ahead and speed on, I try not to slow you down but, if you want to get on my a$$ and stay right there, well, it might take me a while to pull back into that right hand lane. Being a courteous driver doesn't mean you can't speed, it means you respect other's rights to be on the road also.

Ron

[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by 86GT3.4DOHC: ..... 55MPH will save you a lot of gas, but I doubt you will see a cost effective savings from driving slower, I've done the math, it doesnt work out to more than a few cents an hour, and my time is worth a lot more than that. However, the satisfaction I get from getting 700 miles to a tank is worth more, so I justify it that way, lol.

yes - but remember we are looking at a national scale.
few cents an hour X the driving population = a large sum

I drive a lot, I spend a lot of time on the road. Time is money, or enjoyment once I get home. I want to get there as fast as possible. Our sacrifices will help the rest of the world. What are they doing to help us ? As mentioned, we can already drive slower.
I have been noticing peoples driving habits since gas has been going up. I still see jack rabbit starts and last minute stops (versus coasting to a stop). I still see people think that the air conditioner is more important than saving gas.

I get my best milage at 68 in my expedition. Around 20 mpg.
I get the best Hiway milage at 72 in my Hybrid Escape. Around 37
My four banger fiero gets 35 all day long at any speed it seems.
I have always felt my milage was better around 70 in most things I drive so I can't agree that 55 saves fuel and it certainly doesn't save time or shorten then commute.

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: lol - ya ya. my vehicles have well worn horns....and high beam flashes.....and...when that fails, pass on right (ug...), and I will then pull in front of them and go even slower.... I have found the main reason people go slow in the fast lane - is because it is easy - there is no traffic in front of you. you can talk on the phone, read the paper, whatever. that - and some dont know any better.

Personally, if I'm obeying the law by going the speed limit in any lane and someone flies up on me flipping and beeping for me to get out of their way i flat out refuse.

I'm liable to simply stop in the middle of the road to stop them and traffic. Or run them off the road if they try to fly around and cut me off. Or follow them home....

EDIT: Oh, but back on topic... My northstar seems to get better milage at 70 then 55.. Could be my imagination, but I'm guessing all the fancy fuel savings tech doesn't kick in until you get moving that fast. My V6/GT, it definitely gets better milage at 55 then 70.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 05-23-2008).]

I still drive 80-90mph for my commute, both directions. Driving the pilot, its slower than the Saab so I'm relegated mostly to the right lanes. With the Saab it was all left lane cruising near 100 everyday. Highway speeds have not slowed down from what I have seen. I had a semi pass me this morning as I was going 85mph at the time. Speed limits are 65 (55 for trucks), and 55 once I get closer to downtown but those mean nothing in the real world. You want to go 60 or 65, you better stick far right lane and be prepared to have people passing you on the shoulder to your right. If you do it in the left lane, then it will be the shoulder on your left. I passed someone shoulder-left yesterday and someone else shoulder-right today, along with the string of cars ahead of/behind me.

The whole retaliation someone above me posted, that doesn't fly. People who hog left lane for very long, and I've witnessed this a number of times, WILL be pushed into median. I've personally seen this happen a number times, twice with people being ejcted from the car in the ensuing rollover as they go along the median.

Cops patrol by air through the summer when the speeds are highest. I saw a plane earlier this week clocking and a chopper last week.

A co-worker of mine was rear ended in their suv on the hwy about a month ago. As you near the beltway the highways stop due to congestion. Person quite a ways behind her didn't notice the hwy had stopped and the reconstructionists estimate she was rear ended, while stopped in traffic, by an accord still going 80mph as there were no signs of braking. It broke the seat back, two of her ribs, ankle, and lots of soreness. She just recently came back to work. The guy that hit her was uninjured.

[This message has been edited by Rainman (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by cliffw: I have been noticing peoples driving habits since gas has been going up. I still see jack rabbit starts and last minute stops

Actually, contrary to popular belief, jackrabbit starts are the most efficient way to drive. A car engine is more efficient the wider the throttle is open. This is incredibly apparent in my Insight, with the real time MPG guage. Rather than spending 30 seconds accellerating slowly at a poor mpg, I can run right up to speed at only a slightly lower MPG, but in a fraction of the time at that MPG.

quote Originally posted by 86GT3.4DOHC:

Interesting. Perhaps a little of each ?
I do know a vehicle operates more efficiently is the power curve RPM band.

quote Originally posted by Raydar: "Congress adopted a nationwide 55 mph speed limit law during the oil embargo of the 1970s and threatened to withhold highway funding for any state that didn't comply. It repealed the law 13 years ago, when oil was cheap and gas plentiful. But with prices going through the roof and everyone worried about global warming, there are increasing calls for Congress to bring back the double-nickel speed limit. Advocacy groups like drive55.org say rolling the speed limit back to 55 will save fuel, reduce pollution and save lives. It seems logical, but not everyone is convinced slower speeds bring any real benefit, and the debate is heating up." http://blog.wired.com/cars/...with-gas-prices.html

Why is it that the first reaction always seems to be: "We need a law" ???
From the comments in this thread it's more than apparent that we do not need a 55 MPH law again.
Fuel prices will force drivers to self-regulate, (or not), as their wallet can tolerate.
PLEASE keep the "gummamint" outta this, they've done quite enough damage so far, thank you!

quote Originally posted by Rainman: I still drive 80-90mph for my commute, both directions. Driving the pilot, its slower than the Saab so I'm relegated mostly to the right lanes. With the Saab it was all left lane cruising near 100 everyday. Highway speeds have not slowed down from what I have seen. I had a semi pass me this morning as I was going 85mph at the time. Speed limits are 65, and 55 once I get closer to downtown but those mean nothing in the real world. You want to go 60 or 65, you better stick far right lane and be prepared to have people passing you on the shoulder to your right. If you do it in the left lane, then it will be the shoulder on your left. I passed someone shoulder-left yesterday and someone else shoulder-right today, along with the string of cars ahead of/behind me. The whole retaliation someone above me posted, that doesn't fly. People who hog left lane for very long, and I've witnessed this a number of times, WILL be pushed into median. I've personally seen this happen a number times, twice with people being ejcted from the car in the ensuing rollover as they go along the median. Cops patrol by air through the summer when the speeds are highest. I saw a plane earlier this week clocking and a chopper last week.

I have stopped traffic on a couple of occasions on I65 here. So don't say it cant happen. The last time it was with the assistance of a 18 wheeler in the right lane.

I also wont get pushed over unless they actually hit my car. I cant be intimidated. ( and if they hit me first, they are dead. )

And i have followed people for hours just to piss them off when i'm a REALLY bad mood. Oh, and got in a fight once when i was 25 like that so i will 'put up'. left the moron on the side of the road with a broken face and 4 popped tires when he tried to cause problems. He shouldn't have tried to swing first. ( but i have mellowed as i got older )

I'm also not talking about 'hogging the left lane at 40'.. if i'm going the posted limit, screw em, they don't have a legal leg to stand on.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by 86GT3.4DOHC: 55MPH will save you a lot of gas, but I doubt you will see a cost effective savings from driving slower, I've done the math, it doesnt work out to more than a few cents an hour, and my time is worth a lot more than that. However, the satisfaction I get from getting 700 miles to a tank is worth more, so I justify it that way, lol.

High MPG vehicles won't benefit as much from a lower speed. I can run from Toronto to Ottawa and back (~900kms) and get 55-60MPG driving 100km/h, or I can go 120km/h, get there an hour earlier and get 52-53MPG. My time is worth a few extra bucks in fuel.

Someone driving a truck or SUV that gets less than 20MPG will see a much higher savings at the pump by slowing down. A 55mph speed limit in the States obviously wouldn't effect me, but I'd hate to see something like that around here because of high fuel costs. The solution isn't making everyone slow down... it's buying more fuel efficient vehicles.

Do as you want, indy man. Big egos just have farther to fall.

If you have time to follow people, you have too much free time. That ego of yours may well get yourself killed one of these days. Tough man.

[This message has been edited by Rainman (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by Rainman: Do as you want, indy man. Big egos just have farther to fall. Trading paint yes, when I say forced, its not an intimidation thing. Also, legally, you will be the aggressor.

I don't consider it an ego thing, as i don't go looking for trouble or trying to pick fights just for fun. I just refuse to accept it when it comes illegally barreling down my backside is all. ( if i implied someting different it wasn't intentional )

And remember, sending them off into another car or the right hand ditch due to "accidental overcompensation" from being struck first wouldn't be considered aggression. Its not my fault when they hit me first when I'm obeying the posted limits.

( but ill drop it as this wont go anywhere good if its continued )

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Personally, if I'm obeying the law by going the speed limit in any lane and someone flies up on me flipping and beeping for me to get out of their way i flat out refuse. I'm liable to simply stop in the middle of the road to stop them and traffic. Or run them off the road if they try to fly around and cut me off. Or follow them home....

quote Originally posted by User00013170: I cant be intimidated. ( and if they hit me first, they are dead. ) And i have followed people for hours just to piss them off when i'm a REALLY bad mood. Oh, and got in a fight once when i was 25 like that so i will 'put up'. left the moron on the side of the road with a broken face and 4 popped tires when he tried to cause problems. He shouldn't have tried to swing first. ( but i have mellowed as i got older ) I'm also not talking about 'hogging the left lane at 40'.. if i'm going the posted limit, screw em, they don't have a legal leg to stand on.

quote Originally posted by User00013170: And remember, sending them off into another car or the right hand ditch due to "accidental overcompensation" from being struck first wouldn't be considered aggression.

Honestly, anyone with this attitude shouldn’t be allowed on public roads.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by User00013170: I'm also not talking about 'hogging the left lane at 40'.. if i'm going the posted limit, screw em, they don't have a legal leg to stand on.

Have you ever noticed that sign that says "Slower Traffic Keep Right" ? That is actually a law here in Texas. I have also stopped traffic. I would make the guy that would not get over get in that right lane if he wanted to pass me. Just as I had to do to pass him. Then I would not let him. I will race ahead and bottleneck him behind slower cars in the right lane. He will have to get behind me where again the right lane will be going faster, .
Hogging the lane is exactly what you are doing if indeed you can move over.

My Trans Am gets 28 mpg cruising at 70 mph, with the engine turning about 1500 rpm in 6th gear. Slowing down to 55 would probably put my engine speed near 1000 rpm, so I'd probably have to stay in 5th, and get worse gas mileage.

Most modern cars are aerodynamic and efficient enough to get nearly as good mileage at 70 as they would at 55. There are, of course, exceptions - especially huge SUVs with the aerodynamics of the Great Wall of China.

Savings aside, I really hope they don't go back to 55. I remember those years and road trips were just tedious and stressful. The highways are built to be safe at higher speeds, and driving that much slower is just aggrivating. Studies have shows people will tend to drive what they consider a safe appropriate speed for the road and when the speed limit is much different from the perceived "natural" speed for the road, you have a problem with speeders, people not paying attention, wide differences in speed between cars, etc.

I just don't see any benefit in mandating the lower speed. Certainly not enough to justify the expense of changing all the road signs and increased patroling to enforce it. Heck, they could just take that money and cut everyone another "economic stimulus" check.

quote Originally posted by Formula88: Certainly not enough to justify the expense of changing all the road signs

If you're going to do that, might as well stop using your archaic units and switch to metric.

You'd get a lot more stupid people complaining about a drop in speed limits then. Instead of going 60 you'd be going 100, which is obviously faster!

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Personally, if I'm obeying the law by going the speed limit in any lane and someone flies up on me flipping and beeping for me to get out of their way i flat out refuse. I'm liable to simply stop in the middle of the road to stop them and traffic. Or run them off the road if they try to fly around and cut me off. Or follow them home....

You can't be serious. The general rule is that slower traffic keep right. If you are impeding the flow of traffic, it does not matter how fast you are going. You might be running 100 and someone comes along at 110. Get over out of the way. As far as you refusing to move over or stopping, there are laws for that too. Here is an example from California (others states will have similiar laws):

Minimum Speed Law
22400. (a) No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law.

No person shall bring a vehicle to a complete stop upon a highway so as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the stop is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law........

If I am behind you and you stop and walk toward me, I'm going to fire your ass up and drive off and leave you. You might think you are BillyBadAss, but the guy behind you might not care.

If they mandate slower speed limits by law, I guess I'll have to fly to out of town places more.

While reducing traffic, im sure algore wont be happy

[This message has been edited by htexans1 (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by User00013170: Personally, if I'm obeying the law by going the speed limit in any lane and someone flies up on me flipping and beeping for me to get out of their way i flat out refuse. I'm liable to simply stop in the middle of the road to stop them and traffic. Or run them off the road if they try to fly around and cut me off. Or follow them home.... EDIT: Oh, but back on topic... My northstar seems to get better milage at 70 then 55.. Could be my imagination, but I'm guessing all the fancy fuel savings tech doesn't kick in until you get moving that fast. My V6/GT, it definitely gets better milage at 55 then 70.

slow traffic keep right. its simple simple thing. makes EVERYONE get to where they are going safely & in a friendly organized manner. of course you have "the right" to drive any lane you like, just as you have "the right" to talk thru a movie. just a matter of the level of rudeness you want to display. flashing of lights is a friendly gesture. its not a challenge to your manhood. yes, the horn is less friendly - as is tailgating. fear not of someone else getting somewhere else before you. slow traffic keep right. if you are being passed on the right YOU are doing something wrong.

and, back to topic - many newer drivetrains are geared for better milage higher up. its all in the gearing & where the engine is most effecient

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: *snip* and, back to topic - many newer drivetrains are geared for better milage higher up. its all in the gearing & where the engine is most effecient

That could explain why my Eldorado northstar gets better milage at 70 then 55, while the 5-speed Fiero gets worse ( not by much but at 4$ a gallon, it matters ).

Sort of sad 2x the power and it still gets better milage :

Slower traffic keep right DOES NOT mean you have to get out of the way so somebody (not police or aid) can go on by at a speed over the posted speed limit. This is a flat fact.

Nope, it might not be the courteous thing to do, BUT you have every right to travel at the posted speed limit in the left lane.
Without a mile long post here, my X and I got into a tiff with a motorist for this very thing. He was a big dude and thought that actually means something in the real world, I guess I was supposed to be scared. The police (state patrol) ended up involved and set him straight,,,,, after I did


55mph limit blows dog. Next they will monitor your furnace thermostat setting

quote Originally posted by Red88FF: 55mph limit blows dog. Next they will monitor your furnace thermostat setting

Obama already mentioned that in a speech. LOL

right - I am just stating the polite thing to do. as stated - you can legally drive any lane you like. there are few places where this is actually law.

slow traffic keep right.

quote Originally posted by Red88FF: Slower traffic keep right DOES NOT mean you have to get out of the way so somebody (not police or aid) can go on by at a speed over the posted speed limit. This is a flat fact.

Not according to the law. Google "impeding flow of traffic laws" and see for yourself.

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[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 12-05-2008).]

quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: if you are being passed on the right YOU are doing something wrong.

Nobody gives a crap whether you're going 69 or 71; if you're being passed on the right, you're DRIVING IN THE WRONG LANE ! The 1/4 mile string of cars behind you can't all be wrong lol.

Wanna save gas ? wanna make another law ? wanna raise more money writing tickets ? Then get rid of the speed limit altogether and give us a 'rechtsfahren' law. Then ticket people all day for improper lane use and watch this road rage stuff actually decrease. The decent thing to do is either keep up with the traffic ahead of you or move over and let people pass. Holding up traffic encourages people to try risky things to get to that open patch of road up ahead; like passing on the shoulder, or passing on the right when there isn't much room to get by.

We already have lots of 55 mph roads; but the expressway isn't one of 'em.

Maybe the mpg is slightly better at 55 than 70 in most vehicles; but 15mph slower x 500 miles/wk = a significant amount of time. Overall getting a more fuel efficient car would help fuel economy a lot more than driving slower.

Interesting note - Wayne county is considering going to a work week of 4 10hr days rather than 5 8's (for county employees) in order to cut fuel costs of commuting by 20%. It's refreshing to see a shred of common sense. Especially from our local gov agencies. Kudos to them.

lol Detroit only scored 3rd in the recent road rage poll; C'mon people ! We can do better than 3rd !

[This message has been edited by D B Cooper (edited 05-23-2008).]

quote Originally posted by Cooter: Not according to the law. Google "impeding flow of traffic laws" and see for yourself.

Well go argue with the Washington state patrol about it. Unless you are law enforcement or an aid vehicle you do not have permission to speed. What I state is not hypothetical, it is exactly what the officer told us and the guy with the head concussion.

Heh, this is like the old "everyone else was doing it" excuse when you get picked out of a line of speeding cars and get your golden greenie award.

Yikes! i didnt mean to stir things up so much..

Forget i said anything other then the observation that my Caddy does better then my Fiero at speed

Sorry guys.

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: Left lane for passing only, JazzMan

Now I can get behind that one.

One could also add that if you are going the posted limit or a few miles above nobody should be passing you.

Don't get me wrong here, I am a courteous driver, I do not lane hog, and generally drive what we like to call around here "a polite 5 over"

I was only sharing an actual encounter with an officer in this situation.

quote Originally posted by Red88FF: Unless you are law enforcement or an aid vehicle you do not have permission to speed. What I state is not hypothetical, it is exactly what the officer told us and the guy with the head concussion.

If your kid is dying in your arms you do not need permission to speed. Any life threatening event is legal reason enough. Who is anyone to judge why someone else is in a hurry ?