Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahoe_Hybrid
the 55 limit is based upon old outdated information.
that might apply to a 2/3 speed automatic and 3/4 speed manual transmission only...
with newer vehicles occupying 99% of the vehicles on the road today and a 6 to 12 speed automatic transmissions & CVT this 55mph deal does not apply..
the current system is setup for revenue generation $$$$$$ how much money the state or city can steal from you
basically FOR PROFIT
and not safety or energy efficiency... but they will always claim it is for the ladder.. if I go 55MPH fixed speed my fuel mileage is 21-23MPG on the same route using a variable speed upto 90mph I can get 31.5 MPG...
and upto 90 in on a downhill, to get up a hill that is coming up this saves a ton a fuel.. on the return trip that is where the huge loss is at.
That is being HIGH efficiency.. NOT driving erratically or rapid lane changes.. i only drive based on road conditions most of the time normally the freeway is packed and only going 20mph or so haha so it's just rolling in autostop
fun fact most crashes happen at lower speeds.... you more likely to have an accident in the city streets then on the freeway.. (city streets include highways that don't have a concrete center divider )...
and on the freeway it's more likely to happen in bumper to bumper traffic at 5-10mph
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55-mph was just a compromise.It wasn't as onerous as FDR's 35-mph national speed limit during WW-II ,however the physics demonstrated measurable savings to a nation being manipulated by foreign powers,until they could make a plan.All you have to do is look at the aerodynamic drag force and power equations to see the savings.
The safety aspects are borne out also from the physics,generated at Texas A&M University and used nationwide.Also a cube function of velocity.
A 55-mph speed limit today would affect physics identically,it's just that the average mean passenger car is different aerodynamically and rolling resistance wise,as in 1974.Engine BSFC and power-train efficiency has been improved.
My 16.64-mpg at 80-mph pickup will get 36.92 mpg @ 55-mph.It's a simple concept and perfectly germane to national energy strategy,or lack thereof.