National Speed Limit

[Jerry Clayton]

The airways around the world have you fly certain speeds to insure separation---our river traffic travels certain speeds--the hiway system controls should be set up around set speeds---and they are way above 55mph!!! separate traffic according to its needs and you will have separate major shipping system between majot distribution centers---Hub and Spoke concept---
In the metro areas we need one way streets/roads where the traffic control timing is set at a speed that keeps you moving a an effient rate(not setting at a light)
If IKE was still around he would fix the system that he built and probably even straighten out a few other things in the world

[dlang14]

I actually find this one interesting. There is some perception that cars get better mileage at 55 (had this argument the other day with someone who swears by it) . I doubt this is true today, it may not have been true in the 70s but lets just assume it was. Todays average car is lighter, more aerodynamic, has at least one more and often two more gears in it (average automatic today is 4 or 5 speed), plus tires are better too.

I do think it would be interesting to know where the peak fuel economy would be (averaged). I'd bet it was around 65, more without the brick SUVs. I know my old Durango (sold it!) with a 5.7 Hemi did its best around 65. On a long trip I could get almost 20. Push the cruise control to 70 and it would drop at least 3 MPG. Push it to 75 and you're around 14/15.

Now in my accord I suspect peak would be 70 or even 75.

Having said all that the problem is even more complicated because you'd have to predict the impact on traffic patterns. If you lower the speed limit and assume cars will all drive 55 when in fact you create parking lots out of freeways our consumption of gas will go up.

I figure they need at least a 10 year study, which will of course be obsolete by the time its completed