National Speed Limit - need to conserve $$$ (van, fuel, lane)

[paradiddle]

National Speed limit is a great idea. I'm thinking 60-65 mph. I was around for the 55 mph at that time and we made it just fine. 65 mph doesn't add that much time to daily commuting and it may even be more safe. In 1974 our national problem was not enough oil but today the national problem is not enough money.

HeraldTribune.com - Eric Ernst - Eric Ernst - HeraldTribune.com


I am one of those who likes to travel 78-80 mph because I want to get there as fast as I can. I also own a Ford Van with a V-10 engine that is lucky to get 11 mpg. I see the need to cut costs in my own family and elect to drive the more conservative vehicle (Dodge Caravan) in the driveway. I will also consider an even smaller 4 cylinder vehicle when that time comes. $4 gas may be the thing that forces us to change as a nation.

[tonrob]

Already posted by you in the NH section. I'd suggest that if your post isn't geographically-specific then it should be in the Automotive forum.

[tallrick]

No more laws! We have far too many already. Let the market work and the problem will solve itself. There is far too much money being created, cut some of that back and the oil prices will reflect reality. My car gets worse mileage at 55 MPH than at 70.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by paradiddle

National Speed limit is a great idea. I'm thinking 60-65 mph. I was around for the 55 mph at that time and we made it just fine. 65 mph doesn't add that much time to daily commuting and it may even be more safe. In 1974 our national problem was not enough oil but today the national problem is not enough money.

HeraldTribune.com - Eric Ernst - Eric Ernst - HeraldTribune.com


I am one of those who likes to travel 78-80 mph because I want to get there as fast as I can. I also own a Ford Van with a V-10 engine that is lucky to get 11 mpg. I see the need to cut costs in my own family and elect to drive the more conservative vehicle (Dodge Caravan) in the driveway. I will also consider an even smaller 4 cylinder vehicle when that time comes. $4 gas may be the thing that forces us to change as a nation.

Thread is not unique to Florida, automobile or controversies might be a better forum. Please advise.

[paradiddle]

Sorry, didn't see those other forum topics on the bottom of the page...... feel free to dump this or move it to automotive.

In regards to no more laws..are you saying we should have No speed limit? You must have a unique vehicle that gets worse mileage at 55?

[k350]

Vehicles are designed with 70mph in mind.

There is no way my explorer is going to get more than the 21mpg it gets at 70 now.

Figuring I drive daily both a 55mph or a 70, I can say both are the same.

The 55mph was in effect when cars were very much different, now days it will have no effect on fuel comsumption.

Plus, the 55mph was enacted because of physical shortages. There is not a physical shortage of fuel.

It is an urban myth that cars get better mpg at 55. it is a myth that got its roots from the 70's gas crisis when in fact cars really did get better mpg.

But cars back then did not have overdrive trans and aerodynamics, 2 key things for efficiency at speed.

Plus I am all for letting the market decide, no one is stopping you from doing 55mph if you want to.

[windtimber]

Automotive engineering for higher speeds aside, the real problem out here in the hinterlands is distance. 120 to 150 mile, one-way, day trips are not uncommon. 55 mph over 300 miles adds about 1 hour and 45 minutes compared to 75 mph. Unfortunately we have NO, that's right NO, mass transit options. So...we're in a fix. Clearly we want to conserve and save. But years of substandard energy and transportation policy have severely limited rural options. So...tighten the belt and keep on paying, I guess.

[BLAZER PROPHET]

OK, this is the 196,352nd thread on this subject in the last 3 months.

I'm all for a 55 mph limit. In tests (as well as our 2 vehicles, a Corolla & Escape), gas milage improves 15% when driving 55 vice 65.

It's safer, it saves gas, it's about time.

[S6Sputnik]

If you want to go 65 or 60 or 55 stay in the right lane and let me go 70 or 80! Just because you don't value time does not mean everyone shares that sentiment!

If it cost me $10 more a week to save 2 hours! thank you I want the time! You can keep the money!

[MIKEETC]

Just make sure you keep right...