Have we considered a simple solution to conserving fuel?

Question

I know some of you out there don't remember this, but at one time there was a 55 mph speed limit in the USA. Did that curb gasoline consumption at the time? I know it wouldn't be cool not to be driving at 70 or 75 mph. But, I would bet if people were a little easier on the gas peddle their mileage would go up. No focus groups needed, just a little common sense.

Answer 1

change to electric cars, they have limited range.

Answer 2

60 mph would be good.You get nowhere driving 55 mph.That way speeders would do 75 mph,instead of 85 an 90 mph.

Answer 3

As long as people insist on fueling their cars with gasoline, yes, that'll work. I preferred to do an end run around the whole problem and bought a car that runs on natural gas, which is 99% cleaner than a regular gasoline car, and is much, much cheaper to fill up (under $10) in Utah, anyway. Now, if only we could get the politicians to take notice and provide some incentives to get a better fueling infrastructure going in the USA, this could really take off.

Answer 4

Gas hog Americans would never put up with it.  They'd claim it was a violation of their "constitutional rights".

Answer 5

there wasn't a noticeable increase in gas usage when the 55 was abolished... the VAST majority of gas usage is in inner city/surface street driving.. only a minority of time are most people able to get past 55.

second there was NEVER a national speed limit.. there was a federal BLACKMAIL program where the federal government would deny federal funding for highways from any state that refused to adopt a 55 mph speed limit...

do i think the federal government should go back to using federal funds to blackmail states into giving up their states rights.. NO.. if you feel 55 is a good speed limit for your state.. by all means propose it in petition form to your state representatives and get it passed!

Answer 6

in todays times... nothing is simple... it is painstaking work!!!

Answer 7

yep. solutions in fuel?

WALK.

in my place i walk 1.60kms everyday i go to school just to reduce my caron footprint, save money and enjoy the environment and sceneries and meet people that also walk.  

FUN!

Answer 8

Indiana had a novel apprroach to this, a state trooper would get on the interstate, drive 55mph, and if you passed him, you got a ticket. Must have been the most excruciatingly boring duty to have to pull....

Yes it did save an awful lot of gas, I've already slowed down, and I notice a few others now and then.

Answer 9

Why doesn't the government just leave us alone? 55 mph is just too slow on most highways, especially in the more rural areas. The government should stay out of our lives. The 55 limit that was adopted in the 70's was an awful joke. It actually caused more backups because many people ignored the limit, thus causing the flow of traffic to be disrupted by irregular speeds. This caused more frustration on the highways. The big brother of government was hard at work making people's lives miserable. Maybe the limit should be lowered to 45 mph. Or how about 35? Better yet, outlaw cars. Just plain dumb. Leave us alone.