Originally Posted by
Sebring
But I am hoping that instead of venting we take positive action, like slowing down our cars on the highway to the equivalent of 55 miles per hour. That's not only a positive way to screw OPEC, your oil company, Hugo Chavez, Vladimir Putin, the lunatics running Iran, the xenophobes running Saudi Arabia and the thieves running Nigeria, it's good for the environment and puts money back in your pocket.
A few problems:
- previous oil embargo era US federally legislated 55 MPH limit only saved 1% on fuel.
- OPEC et al set production to demand, they still make their profits.
- Oil demand is now heavily influenced by the developing world (India, China) as opposed to mainly the US and other western developed countries, see above.
- For the typical commuter, which represents a huge proportion of motor vehicle fuel consumption, the bulk of highway miles are in large urban areas where maintaining 55 MPH would be an increase in speed. Reducing the limit only lengthens the commute and potentially increases emissions and wasted fuel (one reason the previous 55 MPH limit was so ineffective).
- Accidents rates went up during the 55 MPH era.
Yes, saves money for some individuals and perhaps should be applied to trucks. Would save little fuel overall.