Change Speed Limit?

[Supa]

For my business ethics class I'm writing a persuasive essay, the topic:
"Should the speed limit on highways and interstates be reduced to save fuel? If so, to what speed?"

Right now I'm researching articles on the topic, but haven't had too much luck finding detailed magazine, newspaper or scholarly articles.

Do any of you have favorite articles or know where I could find some? Any help and or links are appreicated and I'll be sure to post the paper up when it is completed! TIA

Below are two that I've found so far:

http://proxy.mul.missouri.edu:2595/c...=hitlist&num=3

http://proxy.mul.missouri.edu:2228/u...=11063&docNo=1

[Sean T.]

Unfortunately, I regretfully say that I voted no... simply because I (and you all probably do too) have those days where you are running late, and you NEED that 70 mph speed limit... when fuel efficiency drops to the #2 concern, behind getting to school or work on time.

[Frank Lee]

I don't.

[Sean T.]

well, I do admit that I suck at time management.

[Frank Lee]

Curious- how far is your trip and how much time difference is there between doing it at 55 vs 70?

[Hasbro]

Absolutely not. Conserving is a choice. If people want to drive fast it should be their right. I'd rather see $10 a gallon than have more control pushed on me.

[RH77]

I voted Yes.

Currently, it's essentially up to each state to determine their own limits. I've driven in some states with a 75 mph limit. That translates to 81 mph (6-over rule) as a comfortable max speed vs. a ticket. This just sucks down the fuel.

If it were to be implemented, it would have to be phased-in, using 5-mph increments. 75 to 70. 70 to 65. The ideal max, IMO, would likely be 60.

Then you have to ramp-up enforcement -- some States are running thin on funding in this department. Most of the public would be outraged, but like most laws, it's for the good of the people.

Refer to the gas crunch of the 70's as a guide, and the resulting 55mph limit. I chose 60 because of a higher average Cd of the driving fleet in this era. It's the simple Physics of aerodynamics at high speeds and fuel consumption. Then employ a Patriotic campaign.

Then, either loosen the taxes on diesel, or keep big-rigs at the same limit. Cheaper fuel = 5 mph less than passenger cars.

Then realize that it won't happen any time soon. Big Oil and other lobbies won't let it happen. The public outcry would be tremendous.

Sammy Hagar would record albums again...

RH77

[SmartTrucker]

Sure in combination with a no drive through service law to stop useless idling (side effects? 88% of the country saves more money and loses weight which also drops are medical expenses.) Gee it's a toughy

[FX Flyboy]

IMHO lowering the speed limit is not the solution. Speed limits are for safety, and low fuel consumption should be a technical matter. More fuel is wasted in gridlocks at the entrance of cities than on open roads. Cars are generally more efficient on cross country than in the city, therefore it is the technological advancement, electric car perhaps, that is the long term solution. Not another restrain.

[Funny]

Originally Posted by Hasbro

Absolutely not. Conserving is a choice. If people want to drive fast it should be their right. I'd rather see $10 a gallon than have more control pushed on me.

I voted No also, not because I want to see people speeding down the highway, but because the government has enough control over us already. Why give them more power? Sure you save a TON of fuel, but there are idiots that won't follow the newly enacted limit and they'll kill the hypermiler in the slow lane by rear ending him.