Unmentioned Energy Fix: A 55 M.P.H. Speed Limit

[Kadie]

Unmentioned Energy Fix: A 55 M.P.H. Speed Limit


Daniel Hulshizer/Associated Press
Speed limits curb fuel consumption. Is that President Bush's answer?


By JAD MOUAWAD and SIMON ROMERO

Published: May 1, 2005


President Bush made it clear last week that he sees no quick fixes to the nation's energy woes. The problem has been long in coming, the argument goes, and so will the solutions. But if history is any guide, there is one thing he could do immediately: bring back the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit.

It has been done before. Along with record oil and gasoline prices, improvements in fuel efficiency and a lasting economic recession, speed limits helped curb fuel consumption for the first time in American postwar history between 1974 and 1984.

Of course, energy eventually became cheap again, the economy expanded and Americans became complacent and unwilling to make more sacrifices.

Instead of opting for small fuel-efficient cars, people switched to large sport utility vehicles and larger pickups. As drivers groaned and states fought for their right to speed, the limit was raised.

While oil consumption in most industrialized nations has either leveled off or declined, in the United States, oil demand has soared 38 percent since the first oil shock of 1973.

more...
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/01/business/01oil.html?ei=5030&en=43a4e90559b3a61a&ex=1115092800&adxnnl=1&partner=PRESSDEMO&adxnnlx=1114970855-qwQq3y8aRmjLN8TWJ5971A


Do you think they will reduce the speed limits? Will people be willing to go along with this or will they fight this?

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Cars that get 75 MPG wouldn't hurt either.

More hybrid automobiles. Alternative fuel sources.
All the things that the oil companies and automobile companies have been fighting against.

[BornaDem]

2. Not only would it conserve...

Think of the revenue it will haul in to the treasuries of every state from speeding tickets. 40 mph would be even better.

[glitch]

3. It also saves lives. Oops, best not mention that.

Conserves energy, saves lives, definitely not macho-american so feggitit.

[Kadie]

6. The NMA (national motorist association ) argues against that.

http://www.motorists.com/issues/speed/speed_limit_articles.html

I had no idea there was a NMA until I just did a search on 55 mph and traffic fatalities.



NMA Objectives

To guarantee the retention of your individual rights when using public streets, roads, and highways.


To support traffic laws based on sound engineering criteria and public consensus.


To protect your right to own and use the kinds of vehicles you prefer.


To support improved driver training and education.


To oppose speed traps and other traffic enforcement measures carried out for revenue-generation purposes.




:eyes:

[glitch]

8. I don't know them either, but I've read many times that the 55 speed limit

saved a significant number of lives every year it was in place. Do they back up their opinion with numbers? There is a lot of quack science out these days, these could be of the same type as those that argue against global climate change.
If you know what I mean. :)

[alarimer]

12. Sounds like their position is to be able to do whatever

they want when they drive regardless of safety or conservation.

[NEOBuckeye]

4. People will fight it -- until crisis hits. Communter Rail would be better.

I don't think a lot of people would be very supportive of reduced speed limits right now. Not without being able to see some tangible benefit of a 55 MPH speed limit -- like lower gas prices.

Although it would take several years for most major metro areas that don't already have one to implement, a light rail/commuter rail network that connects communities with commercial and business districts is ultimately the most effective means for cutting fuel demand.

[Jamison]

7. It would be very unpopular

and face a lot of opposition. Driving 55 on the interstate feels like you are crawling.

I'd rather see auto makers ditch these SUV's that get < 20 MPG, and start producing more hybrids & vehicles that get at least 30+ MPG.

[Toucano]

14. I've been trying it for weeks.

I know what you mean about "crawling". But I found that after a few minutes, I was much more relaxed, and felt a greater sense of control.

I was surprised by that.

My experiment ended though because when I'd encounter traffic, I became an obstacle. That made it less relaxing. By quite a bit! :)

[Robb]

5. "Sure, you might save a few lives, but millions will be late!"

- H. Simpson

[silverlib]

9. How to sell this?

Tell the owners of SUVs that, when they slow down, more people get to admire their cars.


55 makes too much since, so I doubt it would ever pass.

[sandnsea]

11. We had it for years, 55 ALIVE

It only went back to 65 or 70 less than 10 years ago. People would adjust.

[tridim]

10. Hummers still get 12mpg even at 55mph

It's the obscene gas guzzlers that are the problem, along with the Bush tax incentives that encourage them.

[oscar111]

13. Pro-55: cars doing 55 now get FEWER accidents

and they are less fatal if they happen.

Many think "have to keep up with the 75 mph traffic to avoid getting rearended".

Not so.

A flawed study claimed slow cars get hit more. Later scholars tore it to shreds and tossed it out the window into a dungheap.

Seems the slow car group inluced two groups:

those nearly stopped making a right angle turn
and

those in traffic going straight, just slower.


Well, the accidents were almost all in the turning car group. The merely slow travellers, had LESS accidents than the 75 crowd... possibly because they caught everyone's attention and were looked at.

Point two , any accidents to the slow travellers were less oft fatal..
needs no explanation.

So drive 55 now, take no objections from dummies.

The human nervous system does not transmit signals fast enough to make for safe driving at speeds over 55.

Plus, "kids" and the mentally distraught are prone to have accidents - better if they have wrecks at a slower speed than 75.

[kath]

20. Huh? What vehicle guzzles gas more obscenely than a Hummer?

[Toucano]

15. The talked about it on "Talk of the Nation" a few weeks ago.

It was described as "wildly unpopular".

[Turbineguy]

16. I don't know that it would work

With gas at $2.50 per gallon I see a lot of Suburbans and pick-up truck sprinting after the light turns green.

[Strelnikov_]

17. Reduction To 55 mph Could Reduce Fuel Consumption By 4.7%

The following report estimates a 4.7% reduction in fuel consumption. Then again, there is the faith based science approach that any measure that may take a bit of sacrifice is worthless and will have no benefit.

Saving Oil in a Hurry: Measures for Rapid Demand Restraint in Transport
International Energy Agency
28 February 2005

Reductions in speeds during a fuel crisis can be implemented in many ways. For example, in the United States, during the 1970’s fuel crisis, a national speed limit of 55 mph (90 km/hr) was implemented. Initially, this policy was very effective, primarily because of altruistic behaviour and a determined enforcement regime.

Table 2-35: Consensus estimate of effect of reducing speed limit to 90 km/hr

US /Canada

Thousand barrels saved per day 727
Percent transport fuel saved 6.2%
Percent total fuel saved 4.7%


Table 2-29: Fuel Economy by Speed, based on ORNL
Percent Change In Fuel Economy

55–65 mph 11.0%
65–75 mph 17.7%
55–75 mph 30.6%

Note: Based on Model years 1988–97 automobiles and light trucks, based on tests of 9 vehicles.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), 2003, Transportation Energy Data Book, Edition
22, http://www-cta.ornl.gov/data/Download22.html

[KeepItReal]

18. Could lead to windfall speeding ticket revenues, too.

:-(

I'd rather get those emission standards up (Remember CAFE? - Corporate Average Fuel Economy). Automakers here fought that tooth-and-nail. Only way they could roll out those thirsty SUVs, I guess.

[Liberal In Texas]

19. Sorry, but I lived through the 55 era

and it doesn't work in the wide-open western states.

I think our esteemed government would be better to encourage alternative fuels and higher CAFE standards. They could even give tax incentives for purchasing automobiles that get better fuel economy.

(In know, dream on.)

[Heyo]

21. So..

...instead of ignoring the 65 or 70 mph limit, we could all ignore the 55 mph limit.

Sweet... :dunce:

Heyo

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

22. For it to work...

...it would have to be sold as "restrictor plates."



:rofl: