Thread: 55 MPH rearing it UGLY head again?

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There was a lot of debate over whether it really saved any fuel. Thinking from an aerodynamic point it would seem that more energy would be needed to break the air, so it's theoretically conceivable. How much though from 55 to say 65 is probably a small amount to measure, especially on modern computer controlled cars with overdrive that are more efficient at highway speeds.

The other canard they used to sell that idea was "55 saves lives". Traffic fatalities have been falling fairly steadily since the last 55 edict was killed. Statistics "should" kill that "saves lives" argument, but then............we are dealing in logic there instead of politicseese. The lowering of traffic deaths is more likely due to a combination of measures; airbags, better designed cars, enforcement of seatbelt useage and stronger enforcement of nailing drunk drivers. A little more hypothetically would be less of a differential in speed from one vehicle to another. My recollection is that when "most" folks were doing 55 you still had those who wanted to do the "old" limit. They ended up doing a lot of weaving in an out. That still happens today at higher speeds, but seems less to me............but then I don't drive 20-30k miles a year like I used to either.

Yes driving 55 MPH saves gas. My wife's 2006 Chrysler Mini Van gets 32 MPG @ 55 mph and 26 MPG @ 70 MPH.

I do know one thing, during those 55 mph days any trip on an interstate was a looooooooong, boring one.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

I do know one thing, during those 55 mph days any trip on an interstate was a looooooooong, boring one.

Don

I have to agree. I do find myself just allowing more time and driving the secondary roads, going through the small towns.

I have had vehicles that would do 21 at 55 and at 68 make 16. That was a few years back but I would almost bet most cars would see somewhere around 10-15% increase in economy.

One thing that has been left out of this discussion are the OTR truckers. They are a PITA as it is now and 55 will only make it worse. Having one of those idiots bearing down on you is not my idea of fun.

Plan on getting up 30 mins to one hour sooner and get home that much later in the evening too!!!!

Originally Posted by shawnlee28

Plan on getting up 30 mins to one hour sooner and get home that much later in the evening too!!!!

Not me, still only 20 paces to the garage. Doubt I could move fast enough to get a speeding ticket unless it would be while falling down the steps!!!!

Houston seems to be slowing down on its own.
I drive 65 (the speed limit) and WAS being passed all the time.
Now more and more people are driving at that rate.