The 55 mph speed limit was introduced to help save energy and resources. Most cars will lose efficiency before that point, look at some graphs already
Speed kills: testing MPH vs. MPG in top gear - MetroMPG.com
Now I don't think the herd really cares about safety all that much, they wouldn't get anywhere near a vehicle or do a lot of other stupid everyday things if it were really true. But real studies over many years and in many countries validate the physics that faster is less safe. Again, not being a nanny, just pointing out the flaws in this little experiment. If something sounds too good to be true (i.e. faster = safer and/or more efficient) then it probably isnt.
Q&As: Speed and speed limits
Quote:
Institute studies showed that deaths on rural interstates increased 25-30 percent when states began increasing speed limits from 55 to 65 mph in 1987. In 1989, about two-thirds of this increase — 19 percent, or 400 deaths — was attributed to increased speed, the rest to increased travel.13,14,15
A 1999 Institute study of the effects of the 1995 repeal of the national maximum speed limit indicated this trend had continued. Researchers compared the numbers of motor vehicle occupant deaths in 24 states that raised speed limits during late 1995 and 1996 with corresponding fatality counts in the 6 years before the speed limits were changed, as well as fatality counts from 7 states that did not change speed limits. The Institute estimated a 15 percent increase in fatalities on interstates and freeways.16
Researchers at the Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand also evaluated the effects of increasing state speed limits from 65 mph to either 70 or 75 mph. Based on deaths in states that did not change their speed limits, states that increased speed limits to 75 mph experienced 38 percent more deaths per million vehicle miles traveled than expected — an estimated 780 more deaths. States that increased speed limits to 70 mph experienced a 35 percent increase, resulting in approximately 1,100 more deaths.17
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As for freedom, last I heard driving was a privileged (sorry, U.S.A. assumed here).