Posted on 08/06/2008 12:15:35 PM PDT by PROCON
When John Warner revved up an idea to look into the possibility of reactivating a national speed limit on federal highways –
reminiscent of the action taken during the energy crisis of the 1970s – the U.S. Senator from Virginia hit on a plan that has real merit in relation to today’s crippling escalation of fuel prices and the nation’s unhealthy reliance on foreign oil.
Slowing down makes sense on several fronts:
• Driving at even a few miles per hour less than 65 mph increases the fuel efficiency of vehicles and reduces gas and diesel consumption. Across the nation, trucking firms have instituted maximum speed policies of 62 mph. One major national trucking company that serves Oregon and operates 4,500 trucks nationally estimates that dropping speeds by 3 mph will save the company 3.2 million gallons of diesel fuel per year. At an average commercial price of $4 per gallon for diesel, the reduced fuel consumption would save the firm $12.8 million annually.
• Lower fuel consumption by trucking firms and motorists will increase national fuel supplies, which, at least theoretically, should nudge gas and diesel prices lower.
• Motorist and truck safety improves at reduced speeds.
• Burning less oil to move people and the nation’s economy decreases transportation’s carbon footprint by burning fewer barrels of fossil fuel, which has the two-pronged benefit of improving the air we all breathe and helping reduce global warming. This is significant when considering that transportation accounts for approximately 34 percent of total green house gas emissions.
(Excerpt) Read more at forestgrovenewstimes.com ...
How about this, Senator Warner...
I’ll pay for my own gas, and in return I get to drive however fast I want...
That’s fine Warner but you better stay out of the high speed lane on 95.
So, let me get this straight...
Lowering demand will lower prices, but increasing supplies will have no effect on prices...
Have I got that right?
I can drive 55, on my way to doing 65 and 75...
If 50 saves gas and is more safe, then 45 would be even better. Right?
...then 5 would be even better. Right?
I can drive 55 in a 40. Heck it’s Houston, we all do.
Hurts my motor to go so slow!
The Ghost of Malaise Past rises from its peanut-strewn grave to stalk the land once more.
Lowering speed limits increases CONTROL,
increasing supply increases FREEDOM.
That’s all you need to know when it comes to understanding their reasoning.
Blowhard that I am, I’ve recently mentioned in several conversations that high fuel prices don’t mean doodley-squat until drivers begin to slow down to save. People driving 70 mph and complaining about oil companies don’t impress me. I bumble into work using just enough gas in 5th gear to prevent pinging. Lotsa people pass me, but I get 30 mpg out of my beat-up old Taurus and I hit fewer deer. Win-win for me!
It worked so well for Jimmy Carter.
Out here in the Interior West, this ain’t gonna fly. I’ve got a Joshua tree. Anyone have a rope?
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
Utter Balderdash, "ll generalizations are dangerous, including this one"
It is different for every type of vehicle, A Lamborghi Mucielago has a different optimum fuel efficiency speed than a Nissan Sentra. It depends of torque curves, fuel consumption, and air resistance coefficients.
Having said that, I only have limited time available and fuel is only limited by my ability to purchase it.
If 50 saves gas and is more safe, then 45 would be even better. Right?
...then 5 would be even better. Right?
I think I'll drive 75 in reverse. My tank will fill up!
Another Carter policy. Same piece of poop, brand new box.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.