go back to 55 mph?
I heard on a local talk radio show that Hillary Clinton recently proposed, as part of finding our way out of the "energy crisis", that we return to 55 mph speed limits. I have not been able to confirm that.
But, assuming this is on the table, what do you think? |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Didn't they do this in the 70's? Hasn't it been proven to be ineffective?
http://www.nypost.com/news/nationalnews/69045.htm May 24, 2006 -- WASHINGTON - In a surprise move yesterday, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton called for "most of the country" to return to a speed limit of 55 mph in an effort to slash fuel consumption. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Let's try a carrot rather than a stick - shall we???
Eric |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by toast64
I heard on a local talk radio show that Hillary Clinton recently proposed, as part of finding our way out of the "energy crisis", that we return to 55 mph speed limits. I have not been able to confirm that.
But, assuming this is on the table, what do you think? Bob Wilson |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
How about a compromise. 60mph?
Check out this poll: http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=797 |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
I'd rather have the $100. :P
I just don't see that doing anything other than making interstate travel painful. My problem, and I'm guessing the problem of a lot of folks, is traffic - not speed. I never see faster than 50 MPH due to congestion alone. Want to improve economy? How about addressing 30 minutes of stop and go traffic... |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
If i drive 55 on the interstate here around Chicago, i'd better have a ramp on the back of my car !!!
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Noway! We have to look forward to the future, and not to the past.:)
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by Clubford00
If i drive 55 on the interstate here around Chicago, i'd better have a ramp on the back of my car !!!
Here's my opinon. Yes, it is a pretty dumb suggestion which no one will iisten to. I would not care, I am not in a perpetual rush like most people out there. I'd get better fuel mileage too. What I see though, is a recognition of the problem. When the White House says that we do not need to change our ways and big SUV's and poor mileage cars are just "The American Way." Great, being an energy pig is the American Dream. http://bestsmileys.com/expressions/6.gif At least she is recongizing the problem- it is the first step. If everyone else in Washington ignores the crisis at hand, things are never gonna get better. Denial sucks. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Actually, I think that the speed limit to be lowered to 55 for any vehicle getting less than 30mpg at that speed. You could never enforce it, but SUV's (with the exception of Porsche & BMW) were not designed for high speeds.
55 is a better speed limit than 65, in terms of fuel consumption, but at 55, people drove 65. At 65, people drive 70. A law that everyone's ignoring is useless. Leave it at 65, but enforce it vigorously. It's not a recommendation, it's a law. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by blinkard
Actually, I think that the speed limit to be lowered to 55 for any vehicle getting less than 30mpg at that speed. You could never enforce it, but SUV's (with the exception of Porsche & BMW) were not designed for high speeds.
55 is a better speed limit than 65, in terms of fuel consumption, but at 55, people drove 65. At 65, people drive 70. A law that everyone's ignoring is useless. Leave it at 65, but enforce it vigorously. It's not a recommendation, it's a law. Basicly three lanes of very high-speed, very level, all weather surface. The passing lane would have bulbous traction barriers to indicate which side has passing privilages in the center lane. Then have a set on the right side for 'auto steer.' This would be a great way to introduce 'smart streets' with automated drafting and steering. Imagine a string of six hybrids rolling down the highway at 100 mph tucked within 10 ft. of each other. In each case, the driver is reading a book, watching the scenery and monitoring progress. Then at each 'passing lane', the lead car slows a bit and the others pass him and the lead becomes the follower. Their average MPG would still be over 50 MPG!! Bob Wilson Bob Wilson |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by bwilson4web
Something like an unlimited speed limit lane with periodic passing lanes. Entrance requires an MPG efficient car. I LIKE IT!
Originally Posted by bwilson4web
Imagine a string of six hybrids rolling down the highway at 100 mph tucked within 10 ft. of each other. In each case, the driver is reading a book, watching the scenery and monitoring progress.
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Jumping in Late
The 55mph speed limit went over like Prohibition and was repealed.
There are plenty of other alternatives to save fuel, starting with enforcing the existing speed limits. It seems like nearly everyone drives 10mph over the posted speed limit on the highway with impunity - enforce it. Set up videocam speed traps like that one in (Scottsdale?) Arizona. Raise the CAFE standards, shift the Federal revenue a bit from income taxes to gas pump prices..... |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by blinkard
Actually, I was thinking something more along the lines of, "Got an efficient car? Welcome to the highway. Got an SUV? You're welcome to drive on this dirt access road. Mind the stone chips."
They can put that 4 wheel drive to work http://bestsmileys.com/cars/4.gif |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
:embarass:Hmm, Lets see. that's like regulating the price of gas. All that did was create long waiting lines at gas stations. The memories that stand out the most about 70's: Long lines at the gas pumps (I would have gladly paid more if I could avoid waiting) and how much I hated the 55 Mph limit. That rumour may have been started by a right-winger or one of Hillary's rivals for the Dem nomination. On the other hand, it it really was Hillary advocating the return of the dreaded "55", it is a sure way for Hillary to torpedo her hopes to be president.
A great bard once wrote: When I drive that slow, it's hard to steer. And I can't get my car out of second gear. What used to take two hours now takes all day It takes me 16 hours to get to L.A. ! go on and write me up for 125 Post my face wanted dead or alive, Take my license and all that jive I can't drive....well you know the rest |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Go back to 55 MPH on a 10 lane interstate? I was thinking more along the lines of what Bill Engval would say:
"Here's your sign" |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Match the Speed Limit to the car's fuel economy:
30 MPG = Max. Speed 30 MPH 40 MPG = 40 MPH 50 MPG = 50 MPH 60 MPG = 60 MPH... etc. :) The Hummer will be the safest car :D ...slow and bulletproof. |
Re: Jumping in Late
Originally Posted by Delta Flyer
There are plenty of other alternatives to save fuel, starting with enforcing the existing speed limits. It seems like nearly everyone drives 10mph over the posted speed limit on the highway with impunity - enforce it. Set up videocam speed traps like that one in (Scottsdale?) Arizona.
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Katz6768,
Do you realize my 5-speed Insight on level ground can go to 65mph and get 65mpg? That would probably limit HCHs and Prius' to 50mph, etc..... |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by Delta Flyer
Do you realize my 5-speed Insight on level ground can go to 65mph and get 65mpg? That would probably limit HCHs and Prius' to 50mph, etc.....
On the speed limit discussion: Most speed limits posted are fair and reasonable. They are decided based on scientific data that I am not qualified to question. It would really make sense to find a way to enforce the limits at all times on all roads, there is technology available. The government should start by forcing "risk" drivers to install a GPS black box on their cars that would monitor their driving. A lot of speeders conveniently would see it as an invasion of privacy. To satisfy them, the black-box could be introduced with an insurance premium reduction or traffic fines amnisty incentive. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
No one thinks of speeding as illegal.
My partner had a radar detector in his Accord. I wouldn't allow it in the CRV (and now the Civic). I've told people that I think it's un-sporting. If you're going to break the law, you should at least give the cops a fair chance to catch you. People look at me like I'm crazy. I think all states should outlaw radar/lidar detectors. Get caught with one and your vehicle is seized, auctioned off, and the state gets to keep the proceeds. I don't care for the GPS black box deal. Our government is already spying on us enough, as is. (I long for the days when only the whack-jobs were talking about government spying.) How about if you build a feature into every new car where the lights will start strobing like an Indy pace car when you exceed 65? Warn everyone else on the road and draw the attention of the police at the same time. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by blinkard
I don't care for the GPS black box deal. Our government is already spying on us enough, as is. (I long for the days when only the whack-jobs were talking about government spying.) How about if you build a feature into every new car where the lights will start strobing like an Indy pace car when you exceed 65? Warn everyone else on the road and draw the attention of the police at the same time.
Maybe something like that if you exceed the speed limit or drive thru a red light. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by blinkard
No one thinks of speeding as illegal.
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by Katz6768
In the BMW I had (:cry: ), if the Tach goes to the red zone or if the cars exceeds 150mph the engine shots off.
Maybe something like that if you exceed the speed limit or drive thru a red light. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by blinkard
No one thinks of speeding as illegal.
My partner had a radar detector in his Accord. I wouldn't allow it in the CRV (and now the Civic). I've told people that I think it's un-sporting. If you're going to break the law, you should at least give the cops a fair chance to catch you. People look at me like I'm crazy. In short, you shouldn't take these little devices as seriously as you do. Most of those that you see on the road are completely useless (read: poorly designed, cheaply made). I won't say that they are never useful, but a habitual speeder WILL get tickets even if he uses one. Guaranteed. I guess you have to spend some time using one to really understand its capabilities and limitations. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by clyde2575
I DO and there was a discussion about this in one of the car pool lane threads. I felt that I was look at like this when I said it too.:omg: The speed limit is not a suggestion, it is a law.
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by AZCivic
Umm.. actually every car made in the last 15 years has that. They're called rev limiters and speed limiters. EVERY car has a rev limiter and about 80% of cars have a speed limiter. However, the is not yet technology available to dynamically make the car know if you're using poor speed judgement, other than to perhaps lower the speed limiter to 80mph, since that is currently the highest speed limit in the country.
Are you sure all cars have it ? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rev_limiter |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Speed limits should represent the fastest speed that is reasonably safe to drive on a given road, based on observed scienfitic data and statistical analysis, not be some manipulative way to force people to use less fuel. For example, the lower speed limits ended up raising the cost of shipping freight-- as it is, the time-value that can be saved by driving faster when delivering things by truck far exceeds the extra fuel cost. If it is safe to drive the trucks 70 or 75, they should be able to do so. In my case, driving 55 instead of 75 would only save me about $3.50 per extra hour on the road-- it's easily worth $1-2/person/hour to finish a road trip sooner.
Most surface street speed limits seem to be set fairly appropriately for the conditons in California, anywhere from 35mph to 65mph in some places. I find most of the time I, and others, are not inclined to go much faster than the posted limit as it truly would not be safe to do so (given turns, visibility, cross-traffic, etc). Freeways tend to be posted at much lower limits than could be safely handled by most modern vehicles however, this is why most officers enforce the traffic as if the speed limit were 10-15mph faster -- because 10-15mph faster in most cases is an appropriate speed limit for conditions. I'd rather see enforcement of rules agaisnt blocking overtaking lanes on the freeway, and people weaving and passing on the far right. That is more dangeorus than speeding, and forces vehicles to brake and accelerate more -- wasting fuel. The biggest thing the government should do to reduce gas consumption though would be to spend all the current gas tax money on building new roads. Copious amounts of fuel are wasted every day due to gridlock traffic/idling/stop and go on overcrowded roads. Umm.. actually every car made in the last 15 years has that. They're called rev limiters and speed limiters. EVERY car has a rev limiter and about 80% of cars have a speed limiter. However, the is not yet technology available to dynamically make the car know if you're using poor speed judgement, other than to perhaps lower the speed limiter to 80mph, since that is currently the highest speed limit in the country. Limiting the speed as low as 80 could make overtaking someone on the freeway more dangerous, where reaching 80+ momentarily would be needed. Finally, there are some emergency sitautions where one may need to exceed 80mph momentarily -- having a governor cut engine power in the middle of an emergency maneuver, such as trying to accelerate out of the way of a runaway truck, could be outright dangerous. Recently I shifted onto a wide open lane on the freeway at 60, at the same time, a driver (on a cell-phone) going 80mph cut right behind me, without signalling. His lane was absolutely clear, so I didn't expect him to shift, but apparently he was trying to reach a ramp at the last minute. I laid on the throttle to avoid being rear-ended -- it was a long time before he reacted and started braking too. I'm not sure what my top speed was, as I wasn't paying attention to the speedometer, but a governor limited 80mph might have caused me to be rear-ended in that scenario. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by merigayle
OMG! I drove thru Chicago once and was petrified. I felt like i was on the autobahn!!!
Here's something I've been meaning to mention for a long time. Most people nowadays think that the speed limit is the MINIMUM speed, it's just the mindset people have now and with the police (at least in my area) not enforcing it it confirms their belief. Several months ago I was riding with my mother when she started riding the rear end of car in front of her, then she said "He could AT LEAST do the speed limit". I noted to her that he was doing 54 in a 55 zone with 55mph being the MAXIMUM not the MINIMUM, he was not in the wrong at all. With my own little old lady grey haired mother saying that I had confirmation on what what I had thought for so long. On another note she mentioned how I've changed as I used to think nothing of doing 100+ MPH in a 55 and on open highway with 70mph limit 130+ when no cars were around. My how times change when you become hybridized. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by rigger
Here's something I've been meaning to mention for a long time. Most people nowadays think that the speed limit is the MINIMUM speed, it's just the mindset people have now and with the police (at least in my area) not enforcing it it confirms their belief.
Several months ago I was riding with my mother when she started riding the rear end of car in front of her, then she said "He could AT LEAST do the speed limit". I noted to her that he was doing 54 in a 55 zone with 55mph being the MAXIMUM not the MINIMUM, he was not in the wrong at all. With my own little old lady grey haired mother saying that I had confirmation on what what I had thought for so long. On another note she mentioned how I've changed as I used to think nothing of doing 100+ MPH in a 55 and on open highway with 70mph limit 130+ when no cars were around. My how times change when you become hybridized. Not quite since the autobahn actually has people driving fast on it that know what they are doing. They take a very extensive (and expensive) driver's education course before they are allowed to get a license - something we need in the US. That being said I have been to some countries before where if you can afford a car you don't need a license, I really had to let my "Type A" personality shine there. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
I'd be a big fan of SUV owners being restricted to 55 MPH. That would get their land yachts up to 10 MPG.
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
You know, after 2 or so years on this forum I'd bet that 85% of the complaints are not about high speed, but wreckless and inattentive drivers (given, most of whom are speeding as well). If folks drove politely, the highways would work at the present speed limits and I'll bet you traffic would be a lot better. And if traffic is better, folks could not only drive more efficiently, but you'll get the collateral efficiency of less stop and go traffic (and less gas used by folks who do not want to speed but feel compelled to keep up with the mob).
I say leave the limits alone and increase enforcement of aggressive and wreckless drivers. Return some civility to our highways. I'd rather see that then fussing around with limits. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Tim: you've made a very good point. I can easily see how a smooth and steady 70 MPH could beat out agreesive driving and road rage in terms of efficiency. It is disconcerting to see people who drive "big eights" swerving through traffic like it's a ski slalom.
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by Tim
You know, after 2 or so years on this forum I'd bet that 85% of the complaints are not about high speed, but wreckless and inattentive drivers (given, most of whom are speeding as well). If folks drove politely, the highways would work at the present speed limits and I'll bet you traffic would be a lot better....
Then there was this weekend in a crowded mall parking lot, I was waiting for a couple to leave in their minivan, but this Lincoln Navigator tried to but in and I lurched to stop it and gave him the evil eye. He left. {sigh} For some reason, people act as though they can't be seen and can "let their hair down" while driving. People go about their business and forget there are others driving. Being busy somehow justifies behavior that would normally be regarded as rude. It seems you have to go 10mph over the speed limit to get pulled over on the freeways. If it were less, the public would pay more attention to their driving. They might not be any more courtous, but it could stop some inconsiderate behavior. One thing I like a lot of pullovers for is people twenty yards from a freeway exit jumping 2-3 lanes to make. If it were standard procedure to check to see if the driver were drunk, they would pay attention to their driving! |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by GaveUpOnGM
:embarass:
A great bard once wrote: When I drive that slow, it's hard to steer. And I can't get my car out of second gear. What used to take two hours now takes all day It takes me 16 hours to get to L.A. ! go on and write me up for 125 Post my face wanted dead or alive, Take my license and all that jive I can't drive....well you know the rest |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
Who ever passes a 55MPH Nat'l limit would be met with pitchforks and shovels.
One thing I don't understand is why folks happily adjust thermostat settings for summer and winter, even though it is out of their comfort level (IE Wearing a sweater in the winter), along with fixing leaky faucets, recycling aluminium cans etc. God forbid their right of driving how they feel like driving, and an inconvenience of loosing a few minutes in their commute. :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
d#@& good point.
I'm adding that to my list of talking point comebacks. |
Re: go back to 55 mph?
After mulling this over I can finally take a position: 65mph is perfectly reasonable from a FE standpoint as long as we obey the limit! I tried setting the cruise at 65mph for ~180 miles of driving this weekend and averaged just a touch over 40mpg. Could I do better by driving slower? Can and have. Will I in the future? Of course, whenever traffic conditions will allow. But still, 25% over EPA highway for zero effort and zero "sacrifice?" That sounds like a great place to start. I wonder what the fuel savings would be if everyone did it?
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Funny...65 IS the national speed limit on interstates! I have no problem driving at 60 mph, but to make it a crime to drive over 55 makes as much sense as Prohibition. Let the government tax us, but let us drive at any speed that's safe.
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Re: go back to 55 mph?
Originally Posted by AshenGrey
I'd be a big fan of SUV owners being restricted to 55 MPH. That would get their land yachts up to 10 MPG.
Of course, Hummers and hyper-gas-guzzlers would be banned from the road (awww...) but hybrids and small vehicles can, if conditions allow, drive much faster than 70, if drivers are so inclined. Boy if that ever happens, I'm getting an Insight with all the aerodynamic mods and setting my cruise control at 20.1 mpg. That should get me to 100+ mph. |
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