Why do Americans drive so fast?

[tjts1]

I assume your whole drive was up and down the i5 through WA state which is ridiculously slow compared to almost anywhere else in the country I've driven. I'm glad I don't have to drive up there anymore, the low speeds and fast lane campers are really irritating. I just did LA to SF in 5 hour flat and still got 41mpg. I'm not going to waste an extra hour of my life just so I can get 44 or 45mpg. Its not worth it.

I bet you filled up in Bellingham or Blaine on that cheap American gasoline before crossing the border back into Canada

[oil pan 4]

Originally Posted by 101Volts

Pity the man who has a blowout at 75 MPH!

I had a blow out, well a tire valve stem failure going about 80 on the down hill side of some mountian picking up speed to get over the next one. I was in the suburban, loaded down with tools pulling my trailer.
That tire is still in use, the suburban and trailer are still in one peice.
As long as you are not driving a ford explorer and don't panic you will be fine.

Years before that I had 3 firestone tires tread seperate on me at varrious speeds at different times.

[101Volts]

Originally Posted by oil pan 4

I had a blow out, well a tire valve stem failure going about 80 on the down hill side of some mountian picking up speed to get over the next one. I was in the suburban, loaded down with tools pulling my trailer.
That tire is still in use, the suburban and trailer are still in one peice.
As long as you are not driving a ford explorer and don't panic you will be fine.

Years before that I had 3 firestone tires tread seperate on me at varrious speeds at different times.

Hm, Thanks. There's a lot that I don't know, Though I still think I'd feel better about having a blowout at or under a speed limit than over it.

[minimac]

Originally Posted by UFO

Since I have been conscious of how I use my fuel, and have changed my habits somewhat, the more I see how oblivious others are about most other aspects of driving well with others too.

Quoted for truth!

[Fat Charlie]

Originally Posted by 101Volts

Hm, Thanks. There's a lot that I don't know, Though I still think I'd feel better about having a blowout at or under a speed limit than over it.

You can get killed getting out of bed in the morning. Turn off the hysterical "news" channel of your choice, relax a bit and get over yourself.

How many blowouts have you had? Per 100,000 miles traveled? How many blowouts have people you know had... per 100,000 miles traveled?

I've never had a blowout, but I have had flats. Been okay. I've had other mechanical failures. I'm more likely to pick up a winning powerball ticket from the gutter than I am to have a blowout in a situation that I can't recover from. I'm taking more of a risk putting money in my 401k than I am when I'm driving.

[Aguila1]

...Because we can. Let's face it, the modern highway system was designed for high speed and modern cars have evolved to the point that most everyone feels safe driving seventy or eighty miles per hour. That's the reason for speed climbing and when all the traffic is ignoring the posted speed limits, enforcement is futile and arbitrary - and mostly to collect revenue, anyway.

Enforcing an artificial limit just would create bottlenecks and even more traffic jams. So the future will bring extremely aerodynamic cars capable of cruising all day at a hundred with excellent fuel economy. I see ecomodding as a means to a performance end, not just a lifestyle choice. I could see having a brutally fast hypercar in the stable and next to it an ultra-lightweight aero 100mpg car. Both have their place and reason for being. Just don't expect everyone to go along with computer driven jelly beans speed limited to 55.

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by Aguila1

Just don't expect everyone to go along with computer driven jelly beans speed limited to 55.

Wouldn't 80mph top end speed suffice though? I mean theoretically we are talking about Diesel engines with HP in the teens able to accomplish this already. It seems sensible that allot of people would want to trade excessive speed capabilities for efficiency if given the option.

[Fat Charlie]

Then explain pickup sales.

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

Then explain pickup sales.

I'm not saying the majority of drivers won't be interested in bigger, faster, stronger. But there are people that value efficiency quite highly and even in the "pickups" sector might make their decision based on the efficiency of options available.

[Frank Lee]

Yes, there are people... you, me, the EMers, and maybe another handful.