I'd be a big fan of SUV owners being restricted to 55 MPH. That would get their land yachts up to 10 MPG.

 

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.

 

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.

 

For some reason, a number of people have this rude urge to use the right shoulder or access ramp on a six lane freeway to pass me - there is plenty of space on the left.

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!

 

Is that the Sammy Haggar song?

 

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.

 

d#@& good point.

I'm adding that to my list of talking point comebacks.

 

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?

 

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.

 

How about requiring all vehicles to have a large flat-panel display in the rear showing the car's actual fuel economy and posting an MPG limit on the road? That way you can drive at any speed as long as you can meet the necessary fuel economy. For example, if Congress set a 20 [highway] MPG limit, which most modern vehicles except Hummers and 1-ton pickup trucks can meet, large vehicles like trucks and SUVs will have to slow down to 55 or so, but the rest of us can drive right up to the safe speed limit. Commercial vehicles would be allowed a lower MPG limit.

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.