Change Speed Limit?

[aerohead]

I should probably stay away from this topic,and I don't mean to beat up on you,but I don't believe you can make a persuasive argument for an arbitrary speed limit,whatever the speed.Countless entities will be impacted,economic dislocations will occur,It's dubious to presume it would actually impact MPG,massive propaganda campaigns would be necessary,for some,nothing less than roadside arrest and vehicle impoundment would be necessary to deter them from "polite,civilized bending of the rules."---------------------- The US National 55-MPH speed limit was a failure.To redo something like that would require truly Draconian measures to ensure success.The White House,all media,Schools(public and private),churches,universities,Pentagon,sports figures,Hollywood celebrities,chambers of commerce,tax appraisal districts,State Comptrollers,Treasurers,corporate boards,CEOs,Governors,Mayors,City Managers,City Council,etc.,would all have to come on board and stay on board.A person's "honor,duty,religion,patriotism,civic responsibility,etc." would all have to be called into question,should they fail to honor the law.-------------------------------- Speeding would have to become "evil."

[RH77]

I mean no disrepect, but is there a poll or data that the 55 limit was a "failure"? Popularity notwithstanding, it should have decreased overall consumption. If not,
I apologize in advance, with the impending data to support.

Back to DPOV: I agree with his statement. I sacrifice my 50-mille drive by 10-15 minutes to get 40mpg vs. 26. I'll stay up that much later to maximize my "loaf" time (same with longer trips). Money vs. Time. It's how much value is placed upon it.

So, I stand up and give time back for consumption and emissions -- and I'm none the poorer. Can't we all give a little back?

For most of the populace, that answer is "no". Which is where laws step-in.

RH77

[SuperTrooper]

A couple of interesting tables.
Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Travel in the U.S., 1960–2005 — Infoplease.com
The bottom stat was most interesting to me. Look at the spike in avg fuel useage in 1996, after the speed limits were raised.

Another chart showing fuel consumption by type.
BTS | Table 4-5: Fuel Consumption by Mode of Transportation in Physical Units
Hard to guess the impact of the 55 limit.

I saw several other graphs showing overall oil consumption. When compared to the price of gas, total consumption reflects the affect of relative price more than any other factor. The 2 major dips reflect the oil embargoes in the '70s. Otherwise, consumption increases until stopped by a temporary rise in prices, then continues.

[DifferentPointofView]

If I ever get a ticket for obeying the speed limit because I'm "Impeding traffic"....

I'm going to court.

[whitevette]

Originally Posted by DifferentPointofView

If I ever get a ticket for obeying the speed limit because I'm "Impeding traffic"....

I'm going to court.

In our "moneyarchy", the judge will rule "Pay the fine...and have your speedometer checked. Next case."

How else is the state going to pay the gas bill to pull you over? And how else is the officer's quota system for that particular day going to be satisfied?

"Been there, done that". By cruising along at 52 MPH in a 55 MPH (posted) zone, I was pulled over by "the blue light squad" and given a ticket for impeding traffic ( of which there was virtually none ). My remark at the time "What is the posted minimum speed limit?" His response? None! He just kept writing....
The judge said "Pay the fine. Have your speedo checked. Next case."
Disgusting! But, it's the price of being "different". Forget it. You cannot fight the "system"...money talks!
-whitevette ( in a Datsun at the time )

[wumpus]

Having driven in that era, I'd call it mostly a failure. The great safety gains pushed during the first year of 55mph seem identical to the safety gains of $4 gas. I suspect both are due to target poor environments for unsafe drivers.

One thing to remember that nowadays, a car can be considered "underpowered" if it produces less than 200hp (and heavier cars/trucks expect even more). The high point of US car efficiency (by owners as well as manufacturers) was in the 80's. In that time a car didn't need 100hp, largely due to low weight (don't expect to survive an accident in one) and low speed (no need to merge at 80mph from a 20mph ramp). It could take more than a few years to design cars for the new speeds.

Mercedes also makes a radar controlled cruise control that slows down if a car is in front of you. I'd have to wonder what type of mileage we could get by using RCV (radar controlled vehicle) instead of HOV lanes. The catch is that RCVs would be spaced about a foot apart for close-in drafting. Doing this would keep speeds well up, keep mileage way up (even more with engines/gearing designed for it), congestion down (RCV lanes would be dense and moving). Designing the safety aspects would be tricky.

[TELVM]

Originally Posted by whitevette

"Been there, done that". By cruising along at 52 MPH in a 55 MPH (posted) zone, I was pulled over by "the blue light squad" and given a ticket for impeding traffic ( of which there was virtually none ). My remark at the time "What is the posted minimum speed limit?" His response? None! He just kept writing....

The judge said "Pay the fine. Have your speedo checked. Next case."

And I thought road cops this side of the pond were arbitrary ...

[captainslug]

I would personally prefer seeing a switch over to the autobahn and autostrada system of having a different speed minimum (not limit) per lane. With speed gradually increasing the further away you are from the exit lanes.

[whitevette]

Originally Posted by wumpus

Mercedes also makes a radar controlled cruise control that slows down if a car is in front of you. I'd have to wonder what type of mileage we could get by using RCV (radar controlled vehicle) instead of HOV lanes. The catch is that RCVs would be spaced about a foot apart for close-in drafting. Doing this would keep speeds well up, keep mileage way up (even more with engines/gearing designed for it), congestion down (RCV lanes would be dense and moving). Designing the safety aspects would be tricky.

I agree with this concept ... with one exception : Who is gonna pay for all this stuff? Poor taxpayer! Not only the vehicles (trucks & buses, too) but the roadways are gonna have to be "different". Sensors in the ground...and all like that.

[SuperTrooper]

Back in '97 they did a test to prove the concept in the HOV lane on Interstate 15 north of San Diego. It works!

Demo '97: Proving AHS Works