Group calls for 55 mph national speed limit
October 21st, 2008 @ 6:35am
By Paul Nelson
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every car or truck type gets different gas milage at different speeds. My deisel truck has a digital read out that can be reset at fill up. Then you know what kind of milage you actually get. For my truck city driving where you hit street lights and the speeds are 30 mph or 40 mph is the worse. It averages 18 mpg. But get on I-215 and set the cruse control at 63 mph and I will average 23.5mpg. Never go 70 or above because the turbo kicks in and boosts 11 #/sqft of air and it costs ya fuel big time. And Bangerter Highway is about as bad as it gets. It's mostly 50 mph and none of the lights are in sinc. Every stop light along that highway cost .2 mpg in fuel economy. If UDOT would sinc the lights to match the 50 mph speed limit a lot of fuel would be saved. Think how many cars drive Bangerter to work and loose .2mpg at every stop light that doesn't match the speed limit. If a conservation group wanted to do something that mattered, they'd take this up with UDOT. We'd all save fuel.
@Lowell F. - Is a very liberal group. that doesn't care about the truth,,,they never do.
@Realitycheckplease - I agree. I haven't seen a lib group that is concerned about anything except wanting to control someone else's life.
@grb - That just doesn't fly! It is the conservative agenda that sticks its ugly evangelical nose into peoples private life. The conservative agenda wants to control what we learn (creationaism), what we believe (Christian...and no they don't accrpt LDS as part of that except when they need your vote)
Of course you probably agree with much of the conservative mind control agenda...personally...I find the agenda of the evangleical right to be very similar to the agenda of the radical muslims.....just a different name for god...same hate.
Of course you probably agree with much of the conservative mind control agenda...personally...I find the agenda of the evangleical right to be very similar to the agenda of the radical muslims.....just a different name for god...same hate.
@Nobadges - Whether liberal or conservative, it is the unfortunate reality of "government" that it seeks to control every aspect of our lives.
What bugs me more than the conservatives not wanting to teach sex education or birth control however, is the general Marxist viewpoint held by the majority of liberals in this country today, who believe that we'd all be better off if we just turned over our paychecks to them and allowed them to "distribute" it as they see fit.
I can handle teaching my own children about creation as I see fit, and teaching them about birth control if they're not being taught in school, and I have no problem telling the right-wing evangelicals where they can stick their bibles. What I cannot handle however, is having someone sticking their hand into my pocket and taking what I've worked my #$% off to acquire, so that it can be "redistributed" to somone THEY think is more deserving. E.g., given the choice between the conservatives and their narrow minds, and the liberals and Marxist ideals, I'll take the bible-thumpers any day!
What bugs me more than the conservatives not wanting to teach sex education or birth control however, is the general Marxist viewpoint held by the majority of liberals in this country today, who believe that we'd all be better off if we just turned over our paychecks to them and allowed them to "distribute" it as they see fit.
I can handle teaching my own children about creation as I see fit, and teaching them about birth control if they're not being taught in school, and I have no problem telling the right-wing evangelicals where they can stick their bibles. What I cannot handle however, is having someone sticking their hand into my pocket and taking what I've worked my #$% off to acquire, so that it can be "redistributed" to somone THEY think is more deserving. E.g., given the choice between the conservatives and their narrow minds, and the liberals and Marxist ideals, I'll take the bible-thumpers any day!
@Lowell F. - Anybody that thinks a unified national speed limit makes sense should be sentenced to drive from Evanston to Cheyenne at 55 MPH!
I thought being an American was all about FREEDOM! But every time I turn around, some FOOL wants to make a rule or law to restrict my life. I don't need a NANNY!
If drivers had any BRAINS they would pick an economical speed appropriate for their vehicle. This doesn't appear to me to be anything other than an urban "I'm-in-a-hurry" issue. On I-15 north of Ogden, the speed limit is 75, and that's about what people drive. But about Bountiful, CRAZY kicks in, and the minimum speed jumps to 75. I hop on I-215 in the morning, set my cruise control for 72, and watch everyone pass me. My car gets about 30MPG regardless of my speed, and the vehicles passing me are likely to be SUV's and large pickup trucks doing at least 85, and getting about 8MPG. I used to drive a full sized van, so I know that an extra 10MPH can cut my mileage in half.
We don't need more restrictive laws, we need a less hurried lifestyle and some SANITY!
I thought being an American was all about FREEDOM! But every time I turn around, some FOOL wants to make a rule or law to restrict my life. I don't need a NANNY!
If drivers had any BRAINS they would pick an economical speed appropriate for their vehicle. This doesn't appear to me to be anything other than an urban "I'm-in-a-hurry" issue. On I-15 north of Ogden, the speed limit is 75, and that's about what people drive. But about Bountiful, CRAZY kicks in, and the minimum speed jumps to 75. I hop on I-215 in the morning, set my cruise control for 72, and watch everyone pass me. My car gets about 30MPG regardless of my speed, and the vehicles passing me are likely to be SUV's and large pickup trucks doing at least 85, and getting about 8MPG. I used to drive a full sized van, so I know that an extra 10MPH can cut my mileage in half.
We don't need more restrictive laws, we need a less hurried lifestyle and some SANITY!
@Lowell F. - every car or truck will get better MPG at a steady 65 than 75...and even better yet at a steady 55.... but stoppinf or accelerating will kill mpg
@Nobadges - ...are WRONG. It depends on the vehicle's power, torque, and gearing.
@JP - Most vehicles are manufactured with 3,4, or 5 speed transmissions. At speeds of, or in excess of 55 mph, most vehicles are utilizing the lowest possible engine rpm's to the highest possible gear ratio efficiency, thus any action that will increase the engine rpm's without changing the gear ratio will reduce fuel efficiency.
The only exception that I am aware of is a CVT, or "infinite speed" transmission, which might well maintain MPG at 75 the same as 55. This transmission is common on hybrid vehicles. This transmission will constantly balance the engine rpm's with the best possible gear ratio available. It is not limited to a 3,4, or 5 speed gear ratio.
The only exception that I am aware of is a CVT, or "infinite speed" transmission, which might well maintain MPG at 75 the same as 55. This transmission is common on hybrid vehicles. This transmission will constantly balance the engine rpm's with the best possible gear ratio available. It is not limited to a 3,4, or 5 speed gear ratio.
Leave this to the states. Period.
@Retire Early - Federal Highway.
Jurisdiction will certainly be an issue should the feds decide to make us all do what they see as best, and they will without a doubt get it wrong. Can anyone say 700 billion dollar bail out?
Jurisdiction will certainly be an issue should the feds decide to make us all do what they see as best, and they will without a doubt get it wrong. Can anyone say 700 billion dollar bail out?
@budwa - If the point is to save gas, put the restriction on gas guzzlers only.
I am already saving gas by driving a fuel efficent vehicle.
If others want to waste gas in a huge and "safe" SUV let them do so at a economic and safe 55mph....
I am already saving gas by driving a fuel efficent vehicle.
If others want to waste gas in a huge and "safe" SUV let them do so at a economic and safe 55mph....
@F E. - ...yeah, but when you're driving down the road with your knees on your chest, who would want to go over 55 mph? You can have your little "death trap" piece of crap, I'll take my truck any day. Your class envy doesn't make any sense! Typical liberal ploy.
@Claybuster - there are people out there, conservatives even, that actually feel responsible for the planet they leave their children, and are also doing what they see as their part, on an individual basis, to remove our dependency on foreign countries for power. You don't have to be a liberal to take a stand. It does require some character to take a stand however. It takes little to sit and belittle those who will take that stand.
@Claybuster - You drive a Toyota Tundra with the 7.5L diesel? I can smell your attitude from miles away.
What sort of job do you have that you can AFFORD to feed that gas hog when doing 85MPH? Most sane people have downsized as a matter of economic necessity, rather than GUVAMINT mandates.
I think I'll get a Smart Car and attach a ramp so I can sneak into your truck bed while you're not looking. I'll get a free ride, and you'll never notice me.
If the goal is to save fuel, then instead of restricting speed limits, we should restrict car makers. No vehicle should be allowed to have more than a 2L engine. That will make riding in my small car a lot safer when I don't have to share the road with the likes of you.
What sort of job do you have that you can AFFORD to feed that gas hog when doing 85MPH? Most sane people have downsized as a matter of economic necessity, rather than GUVAMINT mandates.
I think I'll get a Smart Car and attach a ramp so I can sneak into your truck bed while you're not looking. I'll get a free ride, and you'll never notice me.
If the goal is to save fuel, then instead of restricting speed limits, we should restrict car makers. No vehicle should be allowed to have more than a 2L engine. That will make riding in my small car a lot safer when I don't have to share the road with the likes of you.
@Dilbo - to see more fuel efficient cars, in Claybusters defense (possibly) how is your smart car going to do pulling the shingles you need to re-roof your house, or delivering the lumber you need to erect your fence (or someone else's fence)? There will always be a necessity for larger vehicles. It is up to the individual to decide if they are going to take a stand against the effects of large gas guzzlers, or against those that would like to eliminate them.
@budwa - Quite true, if thats what everyone was doing every time he/she got in a truck. I'm willing to bet that its sometimes driven to the movies or to the grocery store to pick up a small load of groceries.
I grew up on a ranch. I am very aware that trucks are needed. I'm less convinced about SUVs. I'm sure there are people who have legit reasons for them. Most probably don't. I own a small SUV. I only drive it when I can't do whatever I'm doing without it. Lately its sat for a few weeks at a time.
Its the ME generation. Personally, I think we've perverted what freedom means to us, as compared to those that originally won if for us.
I grew up on a ranch. I am very aware that trucks are needed. I'm less convinced about SUVs. I'm sure there are people who have legit reasons for them. Most probably don't. I own a small SUV. I only drive it when I can't do whatever I'm doing without it. Lately its sat for a few weeks at a time.
Its the ME generation. Personally, I think we've perverted what freedom means to us, as compared to those that originally won if for us.
@Red Adair - I have a little car I use to get back and forth to work. I also have a truck that sits in the garage all week, and gets a couple of miles per weekend just to keep oil in the cylinders and the seals from dry rotting. We used to have an Expedition as well. Got rid of that for something more responsible. Fact is, I can call getting rid of the Expedition responsible, but there are plenty that think keeping it would be responsible given the cost of a new one, or the number of kids they have, or the feeling that they can run over most vehicles with which they may have an accident. It is definitely the ME generation, but responsibility is relative to the person buying/driving the vehicle, and relativity will always lead to a myriad of versions of what and what is not responsible.
@F E. - Punish the gas guzzler vehicles. It also makes sense to me, to reward the most fuel efficient vehicles. Of course, this would be impossible to enforce via speeding tickets. However, a property tax based on the fuel efficiently of the vehicle seems effective.
Also, I remember the 55 limit that Hagar sang about. It immediately lowered highway fatalities, but that doesn’t even seem to be a consideration. I’m not sure the young generation of today can drive 55.
Also, I remember the 55 limit that Hagar sang about. It immediately lowered highway fatalities, but that doesn’t even seem to be a consideration. I’m not sure the young generation of today can drive 55.
@WoodDoIt - a tax on larger vehicles. It is called a gas-tax. The more gallons of fuel you put into your tank, or the more often you need to fill up, the more you will pay in gas tax. They have already taken away the deductible "tax" associated with ownership of a vehicle and turned it into a "fee". I am not in favor of adding any more taxation onto a person because they partake of something you don't like.
@budwa - On that, I agree. It's not that I want to tax someone for doing something I don't like; it’s that I want a fairly distributed tax. If you buy more gas you pay more tax. That is fair and I get your point.
Yet in our world today, excessive consumption of gasoline has created quite a problem. How would we tax a solar powered vehicle??? Or one that is powered with nuclear power similar to what powers a nuclear sub???
The use of tax is a powerful tool at our govt disposal. A tax can punish or reward and not everyone will agree on what a tax should do. If used wisely, the tax we pay should improve our lives. We owe our highway system to the tax we pay, yet is everyone taxed fairly???
I will admit, the value of the highway system I use is really a good deal based on the tax I pay for it.
Yet in our world today, excessive consumption of gasoline has created quite a problem. How would we tax a solar powered vehicle??? Or one that is powered with nuclear power similar to what powers a nuclear sub???
The use of tax is a powerful tool at our govt disposal. A tax can punish or reward and not everyone will agree on what a tax should do. If used wisely, the tax we pay should improve our lives. We owe our highway system to the tax we pay, yet is everyone taxed fairly???
I will admit, the value of the highway system I use is really a good deal based on the tax I pay for it.
@WoodDoIt - You think I should be punished for getting married (extra tax) or dieing (extra tax). Maybe you believe that my children should be punished because I left them an estate when I died (extra tax). You probably also believe that big corporations should be rewarded for taking their business and jobs, over seas (less tax). Yes, tax is a powerful tool at our governments disposal, one that they abuse and overuse. Tax seems to be turning our government into a social order.
@tomboy2 - Sir, I can not tell if you agree or disagree in your reply to my comment. You seemed to do both.
Let me ask you or anyone who feels to reply: Do you favor a flat tax rate on personal income???
btw: I favor a flat tax rate, and I will obey the 55 limit should it be reinstated, although like everyone else I will probably drive about 60-65 mph. Yes, I believe it will save fuel for most vehicles and if history repeats, we will see an immediate decline in highway fatalities.
Let me ask you or anyone who feels to reply: Do you favor a flat tax rate on personal income???
btw: I favor a flat tax rate, and I will obey the 55 limit should it be reinstated, although like everyone else I will probably drive about 60-65 mph. Yes, I believe it will save fuel for most vehicles and if history repeats, we will see an immediate decline in highway fatalities.
Sell the Buick and buy a car that can go faster than 55. If you are going to keep the Buick anyway, stay out of the left lane.
In urban jungles 55 is a great idea but not in outback Utah where 75 is safe and appropriate.
@Pete M. - LA drivers go down the freeway at 80-90mph whenever they can. However, unlike in Utah, they will let you merge in. They also let motorcycles split lanes to get more out of thier roads.
And yes, Utah's desolate areas should have a 75 mph limit.
And yes, Utah's desolate areas should have a 75 mph limit.
@dukeofgibbon - It is in Texas
@Oh yeah!................Oh no! - Texas has areas that should be no limit. The faster you get out of those areas the better.
Save everyone a lot of grief and go spend some time at home and dictate to you kids what they can and can't do. We're all big kids we will make our own decisions. What a joke!
...to know how many people belong to Mr. Castleman's group. Is it thousands, hundreds or is it really 5 or 6 people, like I suspect, who have nothing better to do than to form a group; then randomly pick a speed limit out of the air (hey lets use 55 MPH cuz thats what they used in 1974) then phone KSL to announce they were having an important press conference.
the insurance companys have always push lower speeds.
they think it will lower the over all cost to there
bottom line.
the cars we have now are much safer than the ones build 25 years ago. they are build to lower person geting hurt. but the cars get sent to the junk yard!
they think it will lower the over all cost to there
bottom line.
the cars we have now are much safer than the ones build 25 years ago. they are build to lower person geting hurt. but the cars get sent to the junk yard!
haha. I know when I drive the speed limit on the freeway I almost get ran off the road. 98% of the people driving aren't driving near the speed limits anyway. Dumb idea.
NO 55...65 is safe...let the markets limit consumption, not the socialist government!
Also, to the trucking association quoted as saying that the public does not like them driving with variable speed:
We don't care how slow or fast you go, what we are against is you going slow in the left lane and you passing going up a hill in such a fashion that it prevents us from going the legal speed limit up a hill. We should not have to hurt our gas mileage by restarting up a hill simply because we had to slow to 40 mph while you trucks pass the guy in the lane next to you going 35mph!
Also, to the trucking association quoted as saying that the public does not like them driving with variable speed:
We don't care how slow or fast you go, what we are against is you going slow in the left lane and you passing going up a hill in such a fashion that it prevents us from going the legal speed limit up a hill. We should not have to hurt our gas mileage by restarting up a hill simply because we had to slow to 40 mph while you trucks pass the guy in the lane next to you going 35mph!
If you drive from here to Vegas at 55 mph with no stops That is a drive of over 7 hours. (assuming 400 miles) Same drive at 80 5 hours. My car gets 3 mpg better at 55 than at 80. (23 Vs 20) That's a diff. of 2.6 gallons. Gas is now 3.07. It would cost me an extra 8 dollars to save over two hours. If you make even minimum wage, your dollars ahead -if you value your time - to drive at 80.
@ESL4U - sure...it costs you 2 hours of your Vegas Weekend..
but multiply that 2.6 Gallons by a few million people per day.....and suddenly we are sending a lot less $$$ to the Saudi's, and other oil producing nation's.....remember...most of them don't really like us...
It makes a difference...but if your 2 hours of Vegas Time is more important that our National Security and Economy...go ahead..be selfish
but multiply that 2.6 Gallons by a few million people per day.....and suddenly we are sending a lot less $$$ to the Saudi's, and other oil producing nation's.....remember...most of them don't really like us...
It makes a difference...but if your 2 hours of Vegas Time is more important that our National Security and Economy...go ahead..be selfish
@Nobadges - ...so judgemental when others disagree.
Perhaps:
1) The Vegas was simply an example for illustrative purposes for your feeble mind, or
2) Perhaps the trip was business, where 2 hours is significant.
Either way, it's none of your friggen business. You wanna drive 55, or whatever, that's great. Just stay outta the left lane and outta my way.
Perhaps:
1) The Vegas was simply an example for illustrative purposes for your feeble mind, or
2) Perhaps the trip was business, where 2 hours is significant.
Either way, it's none of your friggen business. You wanna drive 55, or whatever, that's great. Just stay outta the left lane and outta my way.
@Nobadges - We could buy our own oil. All we have to do is send the enviromentalists to live in the Saudi deserts and let them tell the Arabs they cannot pump their oil.
And what's so magical about 55 anyway. Why not 65 and make it stick? Why not 40?
People in the eastern megaplex think 55 is good enough. People west of the Mississippi know better.
People in the eastern megaplex think 55 is good enough. People west of the Mississippi know better.
Group could call for 75 mph national speed limt and people will still do 80-100 mph on the freeway. I see it all the time.
gas and hurts BIG OIL, so JUST DO IT
@MyOpinion4U - Look out, there's a big oil boogeyman under your bed! Compare "Big Oil's" profit margins to companies like Apple and Microsoft and get back to us. Or do you refuse to buy iPods and run Linux on your machine to stick it to "Big Computer".
@Jack Bauer's Pinky - go check your BIG OIL portfilo of stock investments, you are losing your shirt while big oil is making huge profits EVEN NOW, because while gas is hitting bottom, big oil is STILL PRICE GOUGING US. you and so many others who are slaves to big oil are the REAL J OKES. now be GONE
@MyOpinion4U - that you are the owner of a brand new Prius...
Now who's the dupe???
You spent approx. $30K on a car that has a MARGINAL increase in mileage over my Vibe which I bought for under $10K. Stupid.
Now who's the dupe???
You spent approx. $30K on a car that has a MARGINAL increase in mileage over my Vibe which I bought for under $10K. Stupid.
@MyOpinion4U - If the OPEC doesn't make enough money, they've already said that they will cut production just to keep the cost up. They'll make there money either way. What we need to do is start drilling here, and cut opec out of the picture.
Drill Here! Drill Now!
Drill Here! Drill Now!
@violet - why arent the oil companies already drilling on the thousands of acres they already have? Cause they wont make as much money. These companies need to drill on there already available permits before they get more the american people are being held hostage by these companies. Have any of you noticed where gas prices are low in this country? Battle ground states. Here in good ole utah(gonna vote republican)high prices cause they dont give a crap about us, we are already bought nd paid for. WAKE UP Sheeple the socialists are already here.
I would guess that most of us out there try to drive at fuel saving speeds. Safe Speeds. And avoid the revenue generators. My large Deisel truck gets 25 mpg highway under 68 miles per hour and each mile an hour I increase my miliage goes down. Around town if I am carful it is around 16. Going Green
@Martin G. - I drive as fast as I can because the only reson I'm on the road is to get where I'm goiong and I want to get there as soon as possible. The money I spend on gas might vary 20% based on gas prices, it doesn't break the bank for me either way and I enjoy driving fast. I could care less what the speed limit is, you've got to catch me first, and then all I have to do is pay the ticket.
I'm assuming most vehicles people are driving have a tachometer in them, even the automatics. Here's a simple test for you "55 saves tons of gas vs. 65" people:
When I drive 55 MPH on the freeway in 5th, I'm at 1900 rpms. When I drive 65 I'm at roughly 2100. Please explain to me the monstrous savings...it's barely 10%. Yet it will take me 18% longer to get where I'm going at 55 vs. 65.
Oh yeah, don't forget your tire gauges, either. Lord Obama would be disappointed if you did.
When I drive 55 MPH on the freeway in 5th, I'm at 1900 rpms. When I drive 65 I'm at roughly 2100. Please explain to me the monstrous savings...it's barely 10%. Yet it will take me 18% longer to get where I'm going at 55 vs. 65.
Oh yeah, don't forget your tire gauges, either. Lord Obama would be disappointed if you did.
I like to drive fast when I'm in a hurry. However, decreasing speed also decreases wind resistance and engine RPMs and therefore saves gas big time. I tested this theory under controlled conditions and found I consistantly saved 18% of my fuel by setting my cruise control to 64 MPH versus 75 MPH. Try my experiment and see for yourself.
@James W. - That's certainly true for the SUV's and trucks. Newer passenger cars have been wind tunnel tuned for reduced drag. I tried this experiment with my last car. I drove to work for several tankfuls of gas not exceeding 55. My mileage went from 27 (at 70MPH) to 28. Hardly worth mentioning.
My current car gets 30MPG regardless of my speed. I made several trips to Logan this summer, and I got the WORST mileage when I drove SLOWER. I got 34MPG at 70MPH.
GUVAMINT should stay out of our lives as much as possible and let common sense dictate vehicle speeds. Smart people will find the sweet spot and save money on their own. Stupid people will drive like maniacs no matter what the speed limit sign says. They apparently have more money than brains.
My current car gets 30MPG regardless of my speed. I made several trips to Logan this summer, and I got the WORST mileage when I drove SLOWER. I got 34MPG at 70MPH.
GUVAMINT should stay out of our lives as much as possible and let common sense dictate vehicle speeds. Smart people will find the sweet spot and save money on their own. Stupid people will drive like maniacs no matter what the speed limit sign says. They apparently have more money than brains.
I'm starting a group that wants to raise the speed limit to 75mph.
Maybe if I can get enough people, KSL will post a story titled "Group calls for 75 mph national speed limit"
Maybe if I can get enough people, KSL will post a story titled "Group calls for 75 mph national speed limit"
ARE YOU PEOPLE REALY THIS OBLIVIOUS TO THE FACT THAT A SLIGHTLY LOWER SPEED WILL SAVE BETWEEN 5 AND 10 PERCENT FUEL CONSUMPTION, NOW IF EVERY ONE IN THE COUNTRY SAVED JUST A VERY SMALL FRACTION OF THEIR ANNUAL FUEL CONSUMPTION IT WOULD HELP TO ALIEVIATE OUR DEPENDENCE ON PEOPLE (IRAN, VENEZUELA)THAT WANT TO HURT US. CONSERVATISM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN ALL THE LIBERAL OR REPUBLICAN CRAP.....
[Please don't shout with ALL CAPS.]
[Please don't shout with ALL CAPS.]
@richs78camaro - If you got rid of your Camaro, and drove a more fuel efficient car, like say a mini that gets 36/40 mpg, then you would save TONS more fuel (relatively) than if you keep driving your Camaro at 55mph ;-)
@richs78camaro - come down to your political leaning. Sure, maybe it will save you some gas and somehow free our nation from the clutches of OPEC...but do you want to be forced to do it, or have a choice? Are you a liberal wanting the government to babysit you, or are you a conservative wanting to make your own decisions?
(Oh and by the way, "BIGGER THAN ALL THE LIBERAL OR REPUBLICAN CRAP"... so you know, Republican does not equal Conservative...Republicans are more left leaning than Conservatives).
(Oh and by the way, "BIGGER THAN ALL THE LIBERAL OR REPUBLICAN CRAP"... so you know, Republican does not equal Conservative...Republicans are more left leaning than Conservatives).
If you want to conserve fuel great! But don't use your socialistic view to impose it on everyone else. The US uses about 30% of our foreign energy on cars. Therefore, saving 5% eliminates only 1.5% of dependence on foreign energy. Sure, its admirable to make a dent, but grow up. Alternative energy sources are the place to look, not imposing your SOCIALISTIC controls over others. LET FREEDOM RING!
@scuba dive - What part of that was troll-like? Everyone knows you did it richs78camaro.
Its math...nothing more....nothing less.
Go live in Russia or China if you want to control people and tell them how to live their lives!
Its math...nothing more....nothing less.
Go live in Russia or China if you want to control people and tell them how to live their lives!
@scuba dive - When fuel price sky rocket again because OPEC limits production, (Which they are meeting on today, they want to decrease production to increase barrel price) I don't want to hear you cry about being dependent on foreign oil.
Can't have it both ways.
Can't have it both ways.
@browneyes98 - I am not complaining about it and I won't...
That said, please see my post above that shows how this barely impacts the dependence on foreign oil...somehow you've missed the point!
Foreign oil dependence is a much larger issue than 10 mph....even the American government would have been smart enough to figure that out!...Wait....I take that back....this is the same government that still voted for a bailout when the American public was against it 15 to 1.....they might not have gotten this right either....
That said, please see my post above that shows how this barely impacts the dependence on foreign oil...somehow you've missed the point!
Foreign oil dependence is a much larger issue than 10 mph....even the American government would have been smart enough to figure that out!...Wait....I take that back....this is the same government that still voted for a bailout when the American public was against it 15 to 1.....they might not have gotten this right either....
@scuba dive - You are right, this is only a partial impact. But it is an impact. If you think about how many vechiles drive our highways... the numbers do add up. And alternative fuels are still not where they need to be to have much of an impact. So we should do what we can. I guess if it is socialistic to worry about consumption and dependece on foreign oil than I must be a socialist.
My point is that some of the people on here that are stating that they don't want a lower speed limit because it effect thier freedom are the same ones that are upset when oil prices go up.
My point is that some of the people on here that are stating that they don't want a lower speed limit because it effect thier freedom are the same ones that are upset when oil prices go up.
Why doesn't this group lay in the road to encourage everyone slow down?
@frnnt - Slower would be better....to make sure their socialist skulls had been crushed!
That's what they do in Mexico....sometimes individual fringe groups drop a rope out in front of cars too and charge a toll to pass. Illegal, but hey, its tourist money!
@scuba dive - hey good idea!
@frnnt - We wouldn't have to work anymore....we could just stand out on the freeway with a rope! :-)
Even if you lower the amount of gas you use they will only raise the price. Look at Europe, they most drive small cars and scooters and the price of a liter of fuel is tremendous. We have lower prices because we are the biggest consumer and they want to keep us on the edge of happy but not unhappy enough to push for fuel alternatives like Brazil and Venezuela did in the 70's.
When Rick Barlow cut off the car that my brother was in it killed him. Maybe Rick should slow down, maybe Davis county should prosecute him. Oh well, my loss, no problem for Rick.
@will bike - http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3461553
These people and there closed minded thinking. Just cause they like to ride bikes doesn't mean the rest of us do. The speeed limit on the freeway is already 55 THE MINIMUM one. Go it if you please you left wing extremists. I'll just blow your doors of at 83.
That truly is unamerican to lower a speed limit in our society of fast internet and text messaging. I say we go back to the old spin dial phone they are much more harmful to the enviroment then cell phone batterys. I could go on but I'm done.
P.S. You want to save gas NO MORE CORPORATE or PRIVATE JETS.
That truly is unamerican to lower a speed limit in our society of fast internet and text messaging. I say we go back to the old spin dial phone they are much more harmful to the enviroment then cell phone batterys. I could go on but I'm done.
P.S. You want to save gas NO MORE CORPORATE or PRIVATE JETS.
@FACT-MAN - I'm voting democrat because I believe the best way to be green is to fly around in a private jet telling people to slow down on the freeway! (Yes...this is sarcastic...I'm not really voting democrat....I was going to, but my conscience registered to vote with me this year!)
Senator Obama wants to spread the wealth around.
I have witnessed first hand most of these individuals he wants to spread the wealth around with are on welfare and have no desire to work and are use to hand outs. During the aftermath of Katrina, many residents demanded that we the people that were trying to help them carry the boxes of food into their house while they sat on their chair demanding everything in the world and blaming President Bush for all of their problems.
Bottom line: When you give people things they have not earned they take advantage of the situation. How are we teaching people how to work and earn a living if we give them things without expecting them to do anything in return.
The Republicans,
I have witnessed first hand most of these individuals he wants to spread the wealth around with are on welfare and have no desire to work and are use to hand outs. During the aftermath of Katrina, many residents demanded that we the people that were trying to help them carry the boxes of food into their house while they sat on their chair demanding everything in the world and blaming President Bush for all of their problems.
Bottom line: When you give people things they have not earned they take advantage of the situation. How are we teaching people how to work and earn a living if we give them things without expecting them to do anything in return.
The Republicans,
The Republicans,
Lately have preached less government. Are you kidding me. I have seen more government and abuse of power in the past few years then I have seen in my life time.
The bail out. Ok so because I try to be fiscally responsible and bought a 2000 Square Foot Home and took out a mortgage that I could realistically make payments on. Now I am being forced to help those who were STUPID and bought a 4000 to 6000 square foot home with an interest only loan. So now I get to keep my 2000 square foot home and those who where not fiscally responsible and had bad credit get to keep their 4 to 6 thousand square foot home because of the 700 billion dollar buy out.
Bottom line: Both parties are at fault for whats going on in this nation.
Ok back on subject. Having the speed limit at 55 will not only work it will cause more problems. Vehicle now days are not designed to run constantly at 55 miles per hour. Most vehicle require mid to high range fuel just to run properly. With the three to four lane free ways you will have drivers becomming impatient and you will see road rage increase dramiatically. Not to mention people can't keep the 65 MPH speed limit what makes anyone think that we will all go 55. Not practical. There are other ways to save fuel. CGN and other alternate fuels.
Joper
Lately have preached less government. Are you kidding me. I have seen more government and abuse of power in the past few years then I have seen in my life time.
The bail out. Ok so because I try to be fiscally responsible and bought a 2000 Square Foot Home and took out a mortgage that I could realistically make payments on. Now I am being forced to help those who were STUPID and bought a 4000 to 6000 square foot home with an interest only loan. So now I get to keep my 2000 square foot home and those who where not fiscally responsible and had bad credit get to keep their 4 to 6 thousand square foot home because of the 700 billion dollar buy out.
Bottom line: Both parties are at fault for whats going on in this nation.
Ok back on subject. Having the speed limit at 55 will not only work it will cause more problems. Vehicle now days are not designed to run constantly at 55 miles per hour. Most vehicle require mid to high range fuel just to run properly. With the three to four lane free ways you will have drivers becomming impatient and you will see road rage increase dramiatically. Not to mention people can't keep the 65 MPH speed limit what makes anyone think that we will all go 55. Not practical. There are other ways to save fuel. CGN and other alternate fuels.
Joper
Lowering the speed limit WILL save energy.
Your vehicle is designed to run as eficient as it can at 75 as it can.
It will run on less fuel at 55 than 75.
Example,,,, my work truck that I use in my contracting business is heavily loaded. At 75 loaded like it is right now,,, gets 11 mpg. at 55 18.5.
Unloaded,,, 13 and 22.
Drafting from St. George to SLC and back many times I can say that drafting closly psses of the truckers but only saved me 1 to 2 mpg.
I am niether liberal nor conservative.
I have had great incomes under Bush and Clinton,,,, well,,,, until recently.
Clinton deregulated and you blame him.
bush kept the deregs and added to them and you blame him too but not like Clinton has been bashed.
If any of you cod peices think you can do a better job,,,,, RUN POND WATER.
If you want to waste,,, waste you mossy footed twitt.
I will save money for myself while you waste yours.
Don't run into the back of me in SLC when I am doing 55. Don't flash your lights at me your hardliner.
You hardones need to do what you want to do and don't bash helpful sugjesttions.
While Bush has taken away your rights to privacy,,, you at the same time are up in arms about 55 mph speed limits. You've been resigned to fighting for speed that has been proven to kill yet your liberties that have been taken away and you still preach conservatism.
55 produces energy conservation and saves lives because speed kills.
Bush takes away the constitution and you lemmings just follow the red way.
You'd rather loose liberties lives and money that slow to 55.
GREAT TRADE SODS!
Your vehicle is designed to run as eficient as it can at 75 as it can.
It will run on less fuel at 55 than 75.
Example,,,, my work truck that I use in my contracting business is heavily loaded. At 75 loaded like it is right now,,, gets 11 mpg. at 55 18.5.
Unloaded,,, 13 and 22.
Drafting from St. George to SLC and back many times I can say that drafting closly psses of the truckers but only saved me 1 to 2 mpg.
I am niether liberal nor conservative.
I have had great incomes under Bush and Clinton,,,, well,,,, until recently.
Clinton deregulated and you blame him.
bush kept the deregs and added to them and you blame him too but not like Clinton has been bashed.
If any of you cod peices think you can do a better job,,,,, RUN POND WATER.
If you want to waste,,, waste you mossy footed twitt.
I will save money for myself while you waste yours.
Don't run into the back of me in SLC when I am doing 55. Don't flash your lights at me your hardliner.
You hardones need to do what you want to do and don't bash helpful sugjesttions.
While Bush has taken away your rights to privacy,,, you at the same time are up in arms about 55 mph speed limits. You've been resigned to fighting for speed that has been proven to kill yet your liberties that have been taken away and you still preach conservatism.
55 produces energy conservation and saves lives because speed kills.
Bush takes away the constitution and you lemmings just follow the red way.
You'd rather loose liberties lives and money that slow to 55.
GREAT TRADE SODS!
@10 Beers - First of all you want me to take your post seriously, and I am having a hard time reading and understanding it.
Second of all, you are part of the problem! You are so self absorbed in your beliefs that you would never see any other option but your own.
I can tell you right now driving at 55 will cause more problems then it will solve. Your goal is to save fuel right?????
Sounds to me like you are trying to make a point, and by gollie if anyone flashes their lights at you by gosh you will just laugh at them and stay as stubborn as your post.
My suggestion is that we use different fuels, change our air and fuel filters. Keep the pressure of our tires in proper order and drive the current speed limit.
Joper
Second of all, you are part of the problem! You are so self absorbed in your beliefs that you would never see any other option but your own.
I can tell you right now driving at 55 will cause more problems then it will solve. Your goal is to save fuel right?????
Sounds to me like you are trying to make a point, and by gollie if anyone flashes their lights at you by gosh you will just laugh at them and stay as stubborn as your post.
My suggestion is that we use different fuels, change our air and fuel filters. Keep the pressure of our tires in proper order and drive the current speed limit.
Joper
@Joper - My comment was a compilation of responses to all of the above posts.
Yes I am trying to save fuel, have your teacher point that out on your screen where I posted my example.
By the way I do drive in the slow lane all that I can, which is more than I can say for most in Utah.
I am also a shade tree mechanic. My vehichles are all in top notch condition. My next truck will probably be 2 wheel drive with highway tread instead of the 4X4 with mild tread. I just don't use the 4X4 enough to justify the waste.
Prove Your point, don't be a cod peice.
What? How will 55 cause more problems?
Use diferent fuels? what fuel is more efficient in a deisel than deisel. Deisel is the most efficient fuel for a vehicle. The Europeans are racing them at LeMans and winning.
My wife has slowed too and uses the lowest octane fuel availible.
For those that buy high octane fuel you are wasting your money unless the manufacturer requires it (I.E. Corvette). High octaine fuel is for high compression engines. It reduces the tendency to knock. It has less energy than low octane fuel, not much, just enough to lower the tendency to knock.
I'm proving a piont follow my example. Prove yours.
Brigham to SLC is only a 10 minute difference, I know, I drive it alot. Logan is only 3 minutes more.
Are you so powerfuly wealthy that you are loosing money,,,,, or are you racing back to your apartment to watch the boob toob.
Give reasons grounded in reality.
Yes I am trying to save fuel, have your teacher point that out on your screen where I posted my example.
By the way I do drive in the slow lane all that I can, which is more than I can say for most in Utah.
I am also a shade tree mechanic. My vehichles are all in top notch condition. My next truck will probably be 2 wheel drive with highway tread instead of the 4X4 with mild tread. I just don't use the 4X4 enough to justify the waste.
Prove Your point, don't be a cod peice.
What? How will 55 cause more problems?
Use diferent fuels? what fuel is more efficient in a deisel than deisel. Deisel is the most efficient fuel for a vehicle. The Europeans are racing them at LeMans and winning.
My wife has slowed too and uses the lowest octane fuel availible.
For those that buy high octane fuel you are wasting your money unless the manufacturer requires it (I.E. Corvette). High octaine fuel is for high compression engines. It reduces the tendency to knock. It has less energy than low octane fuel, not much, just enough to lower the tendency to knock.
I'm proving a piont follow my example. Prove yours.
Brigham to SLC is only a 10 minute difference, I know, I drive it alot. Logan is only 3 minutes more.
Are you so powerfuly wealthy that you are loosing money,,,,, or are you racing back to your apartment to watch the boob toob.
Give reasons grounded in reality.
@10 Beers - ...that's twice you used the lame term 'cod piece'. According to my dictionary, that's the scrap of clothing used to cover up a male stripper's 'tools'. Apparently that's where your mind is. And you want people to take you seriously? Actually, you are just a rambling fool. Maybe you can go back and finish 5th grade where they can teach you how to write in English.
@JP - you are wrong.
You are referring to a loin cloth. You know what the lost tribe called the Heckarewes wore.
A cod piece, or also spelled codpiece among other spellings, was basically a sling or a holder, a supporter, of the male parts back centuries ago. It was made into parts of suits of armor and some were very prominent. Look at old paintings in museums and you'll see that they were very prominent in dress at certain times in history. Some were made of cloth, leather, or metals. They were even built into storm trooper suits to depict male strength.
My comparison of people who want to FORCE others to drive fast to a cod piece is this.
Cod pieces are wrong and laughable. LLLOOOLLL!!!
If your male strippers wear them, all I can say is that I have never seen a male stripper. Well that's not true, in Vegas I did see a poster of the Chippendales,,,, but they had pants and bow ties. I guess if you are a woman, well some men go and degrade the great gift that God created for man.
Now back to my comments.
What makes your time so valuable that 10 minutes between BC and SLC so valuable. If you count in traffic, weather, and yellow cones,,,, said time is even less. Do you drive ambulances? If so this does not apply anyway. Warren Buffet probably has no worries about speed even though he makes more per second than you do an hour. Why is your time SO valuable?
By the way I’m not forcing anyone to drive slow like Mormons force me to buy alcohol like THEY want me to.
You are referring to a loin cloth. You know what the lost tribe called the Heckarewes wore.
A cod piece, or also spelled codpiece among other spellings, was basically a sling or a holder, a supporter, of the male parts back centuries ago. It was made into parts of suits of armor and some were very prominent. Look at old paintings in museums and you'll see that they were very prominent in dress at certain times in history. Some were made of cloth, leather, or metals. They were even built into storm trooper suits to depict male strength.
My comparison of people who want to FORCE others to drive fast to a cod piece is this.
Cod pieces are wrong and laughable. LLLOOOLLL!!!
If your male strippers wear them, all I can say is that I have never seen a male stripper. Well that's not true, in Vegas I did see a poster of the Chippendales,,,, but they had pants and bow ties. I guess if you are a woman, well some men go and degrade the great gift that God created for man.
Now back to my comments.
What makes your time so valuable that 10 minutes between BC and SLC so valuable. If you count in traffic, weather, and yellow cones,,,, said time is even less. Do you drive ambulances? If so this does not apply anyway. Warren Buffet probably has no worries about speed even though he makes more per second than you do an hour. Why is your time SO valuable?
By the way I’m not forcing anyone to drive slow like Mormons force me to buy alcohol like THEY want me to.
@10 Beers - Eat my dust you commie lib! I'm sure that your near veggie mind won't mind having all of your time wasted as you spend an entire day driving 20 miles.
@10 Beers - Just remember how the freeway works...
The right lane is the SLOW lane used to get on and off the freeway.
The middle lanes are for cruising at freeway speeds with the flow of traffic.
The left lane IS FOR PASSING!!! Utah law says that you shall not impede people from passing you in the left lane. So if someone is trying to pass you ---> move to the right.
The right lane is the SLOW lane used to get on and off the freeway.
The middle lanes are for cruising at freeway speeds with the flow of traffic.
The left lane IS FOR PASSING!!! Utah law says that you shall not impede people from passing you in the left lane. So if someone is trying to pass you ---> move to the right.
Who is Drive 55 Conservation Project anyway? Are they related to the turtles that have been advertising COMCAST over DSL? I think they must be. Sorry, my time is worth more than a few gallons of gas. I wonder how many of them are driving at 55MPH setting the example. If they are I don't see them on Utah's highways. If you go 55 in Utah you're bound to get run over; at 65 and 70 everyone passes me. I prefer "Safe and Prudent," that's what the speed limit was whe I was a teenage in Arizona.
I can support a lower speed limit...but 65 might be a nice compromise for the large interstates currently at 75.
Certainly the core Salt Lake Freeways would be improved at 55 than the current free for all unenforced speeds. Commutes would probably stay about the same, but be much less stressful....and the overall accident rate would go way down...
Certainly the core Salt Lake Freeways would be improved at 55 than the current free for all unenforced speeds. Commutes would probably stay about the same, but be much less stressful....and the overall accident rate would go way down...
If they do lower it...will it matter? Really the speed limit is 65 and 75 on the freeways and Highways but who REALLY drives those limits? Let them do what they want, but for myself I will always drive accordingly to the traffic on hand.
The speed limit is already a joke. Its 75 in southern Utah but to keep up with all the good temple going mormons you would have to go 90+.
I love what the one dude said, " I just drive as fast as everyone else." Because [removed] isn't smart enough to use his head. Utah is FULL of monkey see monkey do drivers.
One more thing before everyone starts Trollin away because I have pointed out their driving style. People dont care about how much gas they use, or slower speeds reduce deaths. People only care about getting there quickly. Troll away for pointing you out.
I love what the one dude said, " I just drive as fast as everyone else." Because [removed] isn't smart enough to use his head. Utah is FULL of monkey see monkey do drivers.
One more thing before everyone starts Trollin away because I have pointed out their driving style. People dont care about how much gas they use, or slower speeds reduce deaths. People only care about getting there quickly. Troll away for pointing you out.
@shizzle2 - I wouldn't troll you for anything you have said excluding the "The speed limit is already a joke. Its 75 in southern Utah but to keep up with all the good temple going mormons you would have to go 90+"
For anyone to make a general statement like this not only looses my respect, but causes me not to believe anything he or she posts. It wouldn't matter if you had said any other group or religion.
So you have a problem with mormons, no problem voice your opinion on the proper titled story, which in this state you will have numerous oportunities to do so.
What you could have said is the speed limit is 75 in Southern Utah but to keep up with everyone you would have to go 90+. Now I would respect that arguement and may even agree with you if it had been worded differently.
Joper
For anyone to make a general statement like this not only looses my respect, but causes me not to believe anything he or she posts. It wouldn't matter if you had said any other group or religion.
So you have a problem with mormons, no problem voice your opinion on the proper titled story, which in this state you will have numerous oportunities to do so.
What you could have said is the speed limit is 75 in Southern Utah but to keep up with everyone you would have to go 90+. Now I would respect that arguement and may even agree with you if it had been worded differently.
Joper
@Joper - I think someone IS CONFESSING!!! Now I dont know who thinks your comment was inappropriate, its a good point. BUTT I must say its hard not to make such a comment when a persons vehicle has Utah plates and a bumper sticker which reads, "IM LDS R U?" goes flying past. Or my personal favorite, BYU vs UNLV game at UNLV. Im in the right lane, 75mph, and tarffic in the left full of BYU flags in car windows, all in a train doing 90 all with Utah plates. Butt thanks to justification its Ok.
So for someone in the left lane, cruise set to 90. I never had any respect for in the first place.
I think its time Joper to go see your bishop.
So for someone in the left lane, cruise set to 90. I never had any respect for in the first place.
I think its time Joper to go see your bishop.
I-80 through Nebraska? Nobody in their right mind could EVER go 55 through that state, unless there was an ice storm or blizzard! Even if the limit was lowered to 55, everybody would still go 85-90 MPH. As the old saying goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
...it's called "the right shoulder".
55 mph is agonizingly slow on a long trip.
Was the "group" that proposed this the AARP?
55 mph is agonizingly slow on a long trip.
Was the "group" that proposed this the AARP?
@That smart guy - Well they could always paint the dotted lines closer togather so you think you're going faster than you really are!
They're never happy unless they're micromanaging other people's lives.
@mickeyqbitsko - Since when were democrats the only ones that want to micromanage your life. Without a shred of real information you throw labels around. Please get informed first, rather than just throw out insults that mean less than nothing. People wear conservative and republican labels like badges of honor. Conservatives screw with your lives every day and somehow you seem to be happy with it. Ever consider who $700 Billion will bail out - perhaps a bunch of lousy mostly conservative bankers.
RIGHT WING WACKO"S calls for 55 mph national speed limit. This is very tipical of the republicans to make stupid rules like this before they are kicked out of office
@Acer - kidding right?
"This is very tipical of the republicans to make stupid rules like this before they are kicked out of office"
Acer, you really don't want to go there do you? Granted the Right has said and made some crazy rules. But I can almost guarantee I can come up with more unbelievable rules the left have come up with over the years that would even make you have to look it up to make sure I was speaking truth.
Joper
"This is very tipical of the republicans to make stupid rules like this before they are kicked out of office"
Acer, you really don't want to go there do you? Granted the Right has said and made some crazy rules. But I can almost guarantee I can come up with more unbelievable rules the left have come up with over the years that would even make you have to look it up to make sure I was speaking truth.
Joper
For the record, Jimmy Carter didn’t institute the National 55 speed limit. The law was passed in 1974 when Richard Nixon (Republican) was in office. People are posting inane remarks to a subject that needs logic and reason, not nonsensical comments. Please do not use the class clowns as your source for information.
The claim that 55 mph legal limit saves 20% in fuel usage, is on average probably accurate (in a perfect world). Then again, if everyone quit drinking alcohol (we could use it for fuel instead) the world might be a better place. Prohibition didn’t work and the National 55 speed limit didn’t either. When will we learn that legislation is not a cure all?
Try this Google search “55 mph”. Go do your own research on the old 55 limit, and then decide – will we get different results than the first try. What is that saying about the definition of insanity?
There are things that should to be done to reduce our dependency on oil, a 55mph band-aid isn’t one of them.
The claim that 55 mph legal limit saves 20% in fuel usage, is on average probably accurate (in a perfect world). Then again, if everyone quit drinking alcohol (we could use it for fuel instead) the world might be a better place. Prohibition didn’t work and the National 55 speed limit didn’t either. When will we learn that legislation is not a cure all?
Try this Google search “55 mph”. Go do your own research on the old 55 limit, and then decide – will we get different results than the first try. What is that saying about the definition of insanity?
There are things that should to be done to reduce our dependency on oil, a 55mph band-aid isn’t one of them.
Will it take you at least 4 hours longer to reach LA from SLC? AT THE VERY LEAST!
For every positive, there is also a negative, and it is unfortunate that the environmentalists never want you to hear the negative side. They forget that our TIME is also very valuable and that reducing the speed means that we're going to be spending even more time in our cars between point A and point B.
At the current average speed limits between SLC and Los Angeles, and with the average number of fuel/food/bathroom stops in between, the average traveler can reach LA in about 10.5 hours. At 55 MPH, even if you don't stop, that travel time is increased to 14.5 hours.
For the average daily commute, this speed limit change may not make an appreciable difference, but for longer distances, spending 2, 3, 4, 5 more hours in the car is VERY significant. Getting there in 10 hours vs. 14 hours, may also mean the difference between a one day trip and a trip that has to be broken into two days, requiring an overnight stay, and even if you stay at the Motel-CheapO, that's at least another $69-$89 bucks out of your pocket.
We often seem to forget that of all the resources we have the ability to conserve, TIME is one so many people overlook most often. My TIME is worth A LOT more than the 2-3 MPG I'll save in fuel by driving 55 instead of 75 -- IF I save that much!
And I'll tell you this too. From the day president Nixon forced the nationwide double-nickel, until the day the that national speed limit was lifted, and I NEVER SAW MY INSURANCE PREMIUMS GO DOWN ONE DIME, so I don't buy that argument at all!
I propose instead, that we adopt stricter mileage requirements for our automobiles. Force the auto manfacturers to raise fuel economy standards by 4-5 MPG across the board within the next 5 years, and by 8-10 MPG over the next 15 years, and start with our most popular average mid-sized cars and SUVs, and we'll save MORE fuel in 10 years, than we'll save in 20 years by reducing the speed limit to 55 MPH!
For every positive, there is also a negative, and it is unfortunate that the environmentalists never want you to hear the negative side. They forget that our TIME is also very valuable and that reducing the speed means that we're going to be spending even more time in our cars between point A and point B.
At the current average speed limits between SLC and Los Angeles, and with the average number of fuel/food/bathroom stops in between, the average traveler can reach LA in about 10.5 hours. At 55 MPH, even if you don't stop, that travel time is increased to 14.5 hours.
For the average daily commute, this speed limit change may not make an appreciable difference, but for longer distances, spending 2, 3, 4, 5 more hours in the car is VERY significant. Getting there in 10 hours vs. 14 hours, may also mean the difference between a one day trip and a trip that has to be broken into two days, requiring an overnight stay, and even if you stay at the Motel-CheapO, that's at least another $69-$89 bucks out of your pocket.
We often seem to forget that of all the resources we have the ability to conserve, TIME is one so many people overlook most often. My TIME is worth A LOT more than the 2-3 MPG I'll save in fuel by driving 55 instead of 75 -- IF I save that much!
And I'll tell you this too. From the day president Nixon forced the nationwide double-nickel, until the day the that national speed limit was lifted, and I NEVER SAW MY INSURANCE PREMIUMS GO DOWN ONE DIME, so I don't buy that argument at all!
I propose instead, that we adopt stricter mileage requirements for our automobiles. Force the auto manfacturers to raise fuel economy standards by 4-5 MPG across the board within the next 5 years, and by 8-10 MPG over the next 15 years, and start with our most popular average mid-sized cars and SUVs, and we'll save MORE fuel in 10 years, than we'll save in 20 years by reducing the speed limit to 55 MPH!
@Wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee - Hey if everyone thinks its a good idea to drive 55mph because there scared are using to much fuel! Park your car and ride a darn bus. I wonder why the germans and italians can drive at much higher speeds and higher fuel costs. Because they know how to drive and know there car must have fuel to run at any costs.
@Wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee - I took this far down the thread before I finally read an intelligent analytical post. Thanks for sharing it, unfortunately it probably will get little notice.
I could spend hours embellishing and confirming your points and rebutting the lame shortsighted and ignorant garbage that has been posted above you, but it's not worth my time.
I could spend hours embellishing and confirming your points and rebutting the lame shortsighted and ignorant garbage that has been posted above you, but it's not worth my time.
I agree with the comment above, if Obama wins I believe more and more crap like this will pass. I drive a cng car and could care less what speed I and others go, as long as we all follow the laws let Us Be, Stop trying to change things that are just fine!
@whynotfamilies - You are aware (aren't you) that the last time (ONLY TIME) we've ever has a national 55 MPH speed limit imposed on us, was back in 1974, when Richard Nixon was president?
You are aware (aren't you) that it was on Bill Clinton's watch that the 55 MPH speed limit was repealed?
The problem is not with liberals or conservatives. The problem is that WE THE PEOPLE didn't learn our lesson after the 1974 Arab Oil Embargo!
Obama may well jump on board with the latest suggestion from the extremists in the environmental movement to reinstate a national 55 MPH speed limit, but don't assume for one minute that with a democratically controlled House and Senate, that we'd fair any better with McCain at the wheel!
What WE THE PEOPLE need to do, is start taking responsibility and stop pointing fingers at everyone else. We need to take matters into our own hands, and start driving less, and start trading in our gas-guzzling SUVs, and start doing more to conserve energy, without having to be TOLD to do so by the federal government, or without some left-wing-radical group presuming to force us to do so. If we'd learned our lesson in 1975, we would be in this mess now!
You are aware (aren't you) that it was on Bill Clinton's watch that the 55 MPH speed limit was repealed?
The problem is not with liberals or conservatives. The problem is that WE THE PEOPLE didn't learn our lesson after the 1974 Arab Oil Embargo!
Obama may well jump on board with the latest suggestion from the extremists in the environmental movement to reinstate a national 55 MPH speed limit, but don't assume for one minute that with a democratically controlled House and Senate, that we'd fair any better with McCain at the wheel!
What WE THE PEOPLE need to do, is start taking responsibility and stop pointing fingers at everyone else. We need to take matters into our own hands, and start driving less, and start trading in our gas-guzzling SUVs, and start doing more to conserve energy, without having to be TOLD to do so by the federal government, or without some left-wing-radical group presuming to force us to do so. If we'd learned our lesson in 1975, we would be in this mess now!
If the speed limit is dropped it would only cause us to drive slower and maybe to save gas, but you need to get a clue the gas prices are a result of PRICE FIXING (GOUGING the consumer)not because of the economy. All it would create is traffic tickets, more time on the road because it slowwer to get from point A to point B, the newer cars are designed for these speeds. You folks that are pushing for this need to get a grip its price fixing and a democratic political ploy to get OBama in period....... Politics folks.
Talk about off-topic. Drive55.org is promoted by Republicans: Gov. Schwarzenegger and Senator Warner. There may be Demos as well, but look at the website before you post STUPID anti-democrat, and rabid anti-liberal comments. I don't agree with 55mph speed cap, but I adamantly disagree with idiot posts from Trolls.
@mtntop - only let these kind of crazy things go through.
There are alot of Political trolls on here but some people (Like me) are just worried about where this Nation is headed and we fear (and it's okay to disagree) that Obama will only make things worse as I believe he is more a "lets make every ones life exactly the same" kind a guy.
There are alot of Political trolls on here but some people (Like me) are just worried about where this Nation is headed and we fear (and it's okay to disagree) that Obama will only make things worse as I believe he is more a "lets make every ones life exactly the same" kind a guy.
make the speed limit whatever you want. If the police forces of the state dont pull you over til 75+ problem solved everybody gets what they want.
A lot of great thought went into this one. Maybe this is not such a big deal or a bad idea if you live in the urban areas....but what about the people who live in rural areas like myself that drives 162 miles to work??? How much longer would that take to get to work if I had to drive 55 instead of the currently posted 75? And JEDI NATE is right...speed isn't what kills people...its idiots behind the wheel....just my point of view
I was in Chicago last month. Oh yeah home to the Sen. Barrack Obama. But i'm just a typical JOE THE PLUMBER. That has to drive myself around Guess what the speed limit is 55. It sucked bad. There are places that might like that. I call it a waste of time. Leave our States speed limit alone.
If you crossed the line at 55 compared to 75 you'd add about 47 minutes to your commute.
I live in Brigham and I know that most of the directions I go I cannot go 75 for very long unless I go to Idaho. That is like SLC to Pocatello or Burley, ID.
You are not the norm and should all follow the good of one? Do you do this all of the time? Every work day? What do you do for a living? Even at 30 mpg and near current gas $ you'd be paying about $20 to go that distance not to mention the oil and vehicle wear and tear. I think that if you have to do this ALL of the time I'd consider moving. Every mile spent on the road puts you that much closer to an accident.
Speed does kill!
At 25 mph a bad driver will USUALLY just bend a fender. I've had one accident and one ticket in 15 years. The ticket I think is disputable,,,, but aren't they all. The accident was when a guy had a medical condition arise and he passed out. He hit me and another guy at tenth west and the highway in Logan. Two cars and one truck totaled,,, 4 injuries but thankfully no death. At 25 mph there would have maybe just one car hurt and no injuries. No idiots were involved,,,, unless the person at fault (that was not cited) knew about his condition.
As a kid I had a break line fail at an intersection and I rolled slowly into the intersection and had a fender bender. Later I had a tie rod break just after an alignment. Two weeks ago I had a new tire fail at 70 mph I went all over the road but didn't wreck. Even smart people have accidents.
What if you are driving at 65 and you broadside a tractor trailer at the axles. The truck was at fault. You are probably dead. Change the speed to 25 and you probably will miss the truck
Speed kills!
Sometimes idiots cause accidents.
Sometimes there are mechanical failures.
Weather CONTRIBUTES to accidents.
Ever had the sun hit you in the face when going around a corner? Even with clean glass you be hard pressed to avoid hitting something if you can't see it.
Speed kills.
I live in Brigham and I know that most of the directions I go I cannot go 75 for very long unless I go to Idaho. That is like SLC to Pocatello or Burley, ID.
You are not the norm and should all follow the good of one? Do you do this all of the time? Every work day? What do you do for a living? Even at 30 mpg and near current gas $ you'd be paying about $20 to go that distance not to mention the oil and vehicle wear and tear. I think that if you have to do this ALL of the time I'd consider moving. Every mile spent on the road puts you that much closer to an accident.
Speed does kill!
At 25 mph a bad driver will USUALLY just bend a fender. I've had one accident and one ticket in 15 years. The ticket I think is disputable,,,, but aren't they all. The accident was when a guy had a medical condition arise and he passed out. He hit me and another guy at tenth west and the highway in Logan. Two cars and one truck totaled,,, 4 injuries but thankfully no death. At 25 mph there would have maybe just one car hurt and no injuries. No idiots were involved,,,, unless the person at fault (that was not cited) knew about his condition.
As a kid I had a break line fail at an intersection and I rolled slowly into the intersection and had a fender bender. Later I had a tie rod break just after an alignment. Two weeks ago I had a new tire fail at 70 mph I went all over the road but didn't wreck. Even smart people have accidents.
What if you are driving at 65 and you broadside a tractor trailer at the axles. The truck was at fault. You are probably dead. Change the speed to 25 and you probably will miss the truck
Speed kills!
Sometimes idiots cause accidents.
Sometimes there are mechanical failures.
Weather CONTRIBUTES to accidents.
Ever had the sun hit you in the face when going around a corner? Even with clean glass you be hard pressed to avoid hitting something if you can't see it.
Speed kills.
Let the tree huggers drive 55 all they want! I will keep driving 65 to 75+ where legal. This group needs to find more bark and granola's to chew on and some other subject to take up like saving the cockroaches in Kansas City. Again I cant drive 55!!!
Cars do great and get better mileage on the freeways than they do around town. Maybe we should improve our city driving patterns so that we conserve gas where it will make a difference. How about making stop lights more functional. This seems like a better idea than forcing commuters to drive 20 mph slower.
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6:47am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
6:58am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
You're right though; Big Brother is always watching! But don't be scared, as your tinfoil hat and metal coat hangers should keep your thoughts nice and safe.
7:04am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
7:11am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
8:18am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
8:25am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
Drafting. You can go whatever speed you want (as long as you can find someone else doing it that you can draft), and your fuel consumption drops significantly.
I was doing it just this morning. Followed a big rig for most of the commute. I kept up with traffic and reduced my consumption... Excellent!!!
8:46am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
9:47am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
I'd bet $50 NONE of those wingnuts would stay under 55 crossing Montana, Wyoming, Texas, etc.
But I guess I should agree with them. After all, those people running things in California are Soooooooo smart and things are going sooooooo well for them there. (Drip, drip.)
10:14am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
I drive 35-THOUSAND miles per year so I can see my children with an ex-wife who moved to CA. The distance between cities is on average about 50 miles, with stretches of virtually NOTHING (worth stopping for) for as much as 150 miles (Vegas to Barstow).
Fricken MORONS! Get a life you sucking commie liberals and quit trying to dick-around with the rest of us. Feel free to drive as slow as you want, but don't ask me to join your commie funeral parade.
10:50am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:55am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
11:30am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
since a 3-day weekend gives me ONE day down, ONE day with the kids, and ONE day return trip, then that's all I have.
I'm on the list for buying a GM Volt in 2010. Currently I do everything I can to reduce my fuel... WHEN I CAN DO IT. When it comes to going to visit my kids, I need the speed.
YOUR DRIVING HAPPENS TO REVOLVE AROUND THE CITY. MY DRIVING REVOLVES AROUND THE OPEN DESERT HIGHWAY. YOUR "5 MINUTE ANALOG" TURNS INTO 5 HOURS FOR ME.
1:43pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
2:28pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
12:20pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
HOWEVER... it was under Nixon (a Conservative Republican) that we originally imposed the double-nickel in 1974, and it was Clinton (a Liberal Democrat) that we repealed the double-nickel in 1995.
Both may have been morons in their own right, but the idea behind the 55 MPH limit had/has nothing to do with commies, liberals or conservatives. It is simply an effort (primarly supported by those in the extreme environmentalist movement) to conserve resources.
There are better ways to improve fuel efficiency than simply asking people to drive 55, BUT unless more people start doing these things, I won't be surprised if we end up having the double-nickel re-imposed on us again.
12:33pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
States in the east, fine, have at the 55mph.
States in the west, this doesn't work.
I would vote to have 100-mph limits in the open desert.
2:02pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
Personally, I'd rather pay 42+ cents of fuel taxes directly to the State of Utah and tell the federal highway adminstration to shove it, and have the state maintain ALL of the roads, including the interstate routes within our own state, than be held hostage to the federal highway administration over issues like speed limits, sound walls, bar-pit barriers, and the plethora of other regulations we're forced to comply with in order to secure our fair share of the highway funds we ALREADY PAID FOR with our federal fuel taxes. Alas, that's never going to happen.
But if you think the State of California, with the largest single population of liberals of any state in the union is going to buck the federal system, you're sorely mistaken. You might well continue to drive 75 from SLC to Primm on the Cal/Nev border, but if the enviro-nuts have their way, you'll be doing the double-nickel from the Nevada line all the way to LA!
3:00pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
It could be difficult to adjust from state to state with everyone having an idea what an interstate highway running through their state should be like.
4:41pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
It is a Catch-22, which was really the only point I was trying to make in my comment to Al.
There are already thousands of miles of interstate freeway in this country, where speeds are restricted to 55 MPH, as in heavily congested areas and in construction zones, and I'm fine with that. But in most stretches of rural parts of the west (most of the west), where it already takes the better part of an entire day to travel from point A to point B, saving 2-3 MPG is a pretty tough sell, especially when that 2-3 MPG savings, ends up adding 3-4 more hours behind the wheel.
11:04pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:58pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
9:28am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:33am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
11:38am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
How rude of you to take away his fuel efficiency, and to endanger both drivers. You get behind me like that, and I'll pull over!
This same principle was debunked in an episode of "Myth Busters"... that removing the tailgate of a pickup truck would give you better gas mileage in a pickup. WRONG! The tailgate serves to keep the big fat rolling ball of air, rolling... giving you a smaller coefficient of friction as you travel. Tail gate = better mileage.
12:39pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
I haven't heard the big fat rolling balls of air theory before. Maybe if someone could explain it to me...
7:11am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
I think that your concerns about "Big Bro" are valid; the problem is that "Big Bro" already sits in the White House.
8:02am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
8:39am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
12:21pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
If you are too lazy to get informed, he is a Republican Senator from Virgina who initiated earlier this year having the Dept of Energy explore imposing 55 mph limit.
Republicans in Utah need to get over yourselves. Since when did any Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal do you any big favor. In my book most of them are crooks in one form or another.
12:50pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
If you are too lazy to get informed, he is a Republican Senator from Virgina -------
The "Repukican Senator John Warner" has come out and said he may endorse the Socialist Democrat candidate (Mark Warner) for the Senate seat he is vacating. Calling John Warner a Republican is like calling Volkswagen a muscle car as evidenced by his support of a radical left wing Democrat.
By the way, Virginia was on the way to getting rid of the annual 5% property tax on automobiles under the leadership of a Republican Governor. It was almost phased out when the Miscreant Mark Warner got himself into the governor's mansion and derailed it to fund his socialist agenda.
For your reference about John Warner's possible endorsement:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14277.html
2:25pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
I didn’t notice the reason why in the point you were trying to make. Your reference states that Warner said the reason he may not vote for the republican candidate for the Senate seat is because James Gilmore doesn’t favor the bailout that Warner did favor. So what is he, a liberal or conservative? Closet democrat, staunch republican, or socialist? As far as I am concerned the bailout is one of the most liberal, socialist acts since McCain helped bail out Liberty Bank. So I agree Warner must be a socialist. I wish we had more Gilmore’s out there conservative enough to see what the bailout is - socialism for the rich.
7:09am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
7:16am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
With the current price of oil, the lack of domestic oil and domestic production, and the Unites States current usage, what is extreme about wanting to conserve energy?
We are dependant on foreign oil - cut off that supply and the US will ceasse to function.
I personally believe it is time to quit with the blind rhetoric of "libs" and "repubs" and worry about our nation. I refuse to follow dogma and think for myself.
7:25am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
8:06am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
7:28am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
We better just pray that barry doesn't get in the white house...or we're finished.
7:48am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
If Bin Laden gets in, we haven't seen nothing yet. "Let The Bad Time Roll"
10:07am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:24am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
Why did he decide to kill New Yorkers? Because they didn't drive much.
7:51am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
8:58am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
11:34am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
9:49am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
1:04pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
It is not a lack of patriotism, but the spring loaded stupidity of the enviomentalist lefties.
9:17am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
11:37am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:06am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
11:39am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
12:06pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
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9:26am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
9:26am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:35am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
9:37am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:34am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
10:46am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
You know, one of the great things about these great United States is that everyone is free to be what they choose. Obviously you chose to be an idiot. Have fun with that.
10:53am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
12:07pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
11:04am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
And, from the sounds of it, you are probably lying anyway. Diesel gets great torque at lower RPM. Unless you just shifted to OD at 65-70, you can't get get your peak mpg at 72-73. My diesel gets its peak mpg at 45-50. In fact it gets about 30mpg at those speeds.
11:40am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
Why would I lie? To impress morons like you on this forum? I could care less if you believe me or not. If my truck got 12 mpg, I'd still drive it.
The point is, every engine is engineered differently, with different torque and horsepower curves at different RPMs. You don't even know what engine I have, so how can you even comment on it? Driving some little VW with a 1.9L diesel gives you absolutley no basis to comment on the performance of my large engine.
11:15am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
There are lots of other variables that go into the fuel mileage equation as well. I'm not an expert on the subject but a few other variables would be drag coefficient, rolling resistance and vehicle weight. There are also the external variables like wind direction and speed (you're going to get better mileage with a tailwind than a head wind).
11:46am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
12:07pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
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12:26pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
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11:35am - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
12:05pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
The national "double-nickel" was repealed in 1995 under the Clinton administration, and again, Clinton was many things, but foremost among them, he was a LIBERAL.
There is no doubt that if we all drove 45 MPH, we'd get the best gas mileage, and if we avoided jack-rabbit starts and had more lanes on the freeways so that we didn't have so much congestion, and if our traffic lights were better synchronized, etc., etc., etc., we could save a lot more fuel. But we'd also save a lot more fuel if we bought cars that got better mileage and if we adopted higher MPG standards.
The biggest problem with the 55 MPH limit on the freeways is the additional time we have to spend behind the wheel. That extra time is worth a lot of money, and in my opinion, it is worth a lot more than the 2-3 MPG we might save vs. running 65-70 MPH.
12:26pm - Tue Oct 21st, 2008
If you want to ride a moped or bicycle then go ahead, but puleeeze quit your crap of jammin your freakin screwed up ideas of the way the world should be down my throat. I am not interested in living in a mud hut, eating trees with Euell Gibbons in the forest and pedaling a bike to work.
You bunch of liberals are an advocacy billboard for the aerial application of Zoloft and Valium.