55 mph, National Speed Limit (fuel, MPG, pickup, mileage)

[ElkHunter]

Remember last time that gas got out of control, the president finally put down his foot and made 55 mph the national speed limit.

Think that's a possible coming up soon?

[Crew Chief]

Not in any rational person's mind...

[sterlinggirl]

People would scream and fight it the whole way, but it does make a difference. I slowed down from 80 to 65, and my mileage went up by 33%. I'm spending the same amount per mile with $4 gas as I did with $3 gas. I just get there a little slower.....

[Old Gringo]

The double nickel was a great revenue generator for state and local police. I don't know how much fuel it saved, though. Probably some, but was it worth it? Not in my book.

[studedude]

There is a mileage difference between 55 & 65 but a bigger difference on the low end. Both of my cars go into OD and converter lock at about 40 mph. My instant MPG computer shows about 7 MPG increase with lock & OD. If they lower 65 to 55 they need to raise 35 to 45 on all those city streets.

[JFRRACING]

i just can not beleave that some states have 70 or higher. i guess they don't realize that speed kills and speed consumes alot more fuel. these states need to take a step back and adjust their laws. this day and age 70 75 or 80 mph does not make any sense at all. WAKE UP!!!

[nitokenshi]

I think it should go down to like 35 on certain city streets to allow low speed vehicles. Where I live everything is right there perfect for riding around in a golf cart. But the speed limit is like 55.

[cdelena]

Originally Posted by JFRRACING

i just can not beleave that some states have 70 or higher. i guess they don't realize that speed kills and speed consumes alot more fuel. these states need to take a step back and adjust their laws. this day and age 70 75 or 80 mph does not make any sense at all. WAKE UP!!!

There are places with towns 300 miles apart... a higher speed limit on the well designed interstate highways with light traffic makes sense.

[ElkHunter]

I still drive a 1985 pickup. When I bought it, it was geared for 55. It's a diesel. If I run 55, I can get 20-21 mpg. If I stay with traffic and run 75 mph, i get around 12 mpg.

I personally wouldn't care if they lowered it to 55 again. There's no place I need to be that I can't take a little more time getting there.

[texdav]

Was the sooed limti 55 in 1985. Seems to me that was in teh 70's. I doubt they want the traffic jams that would cause now very much as things have changed so much simnce the 70's with the exception that I10 ,for example ;is pretty much the same highway east to west but more crowded.