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Senator proposes 55 mph national limit redux

07/04/2008, 12:40 AM

By Nick Aziz

Republican politicians are supposed to stand for less government intervention in the lives of Americans. But don’t tell that to senator John Warner of Virginia. The lawmaker is considering asking Congress to reimpose a national speed limit similar 55 mph directive to the one introduced in 1974.

That abomination took 21 years to repeal. U.S. states have been free to set their own speed limits for the last 13 years, but if Warner has his way that could end — again. In a letter to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, Warner cites a study showing the 55 mph speed limit saved an average of 167,000 barrels of oil a day.

What’s unclear is how reducing oil consumption by 2 percent will ease the pain at the pump caused by $4 a gallon gas. Whether a relatively small drop in demand will do anything to affect gas prices is a question for economists to answer. But it seems inconceivable prices would fall in any appreciable way.

According to the Energy Department, fuel economy drops considerably above 60 mph. For every additional 5 mph, motorists pay an additional 30 cents per gallon in fuel costs, Warner claims. Apparently, this “Republican” thinks the federal governments needs to tell Americans how they can and cannot spend their money.

Angela Hill, a spokesperson for the Department, said if Congress wants to improve gas prices it must “take action on expanding domestic oil and natural gas production,” according to the Associated Press. We could suggest something even better: take all they money budgeted for the Iraq war, and put it toward electric car technology, and solar and nuclear power. A little startup in Silicon Valley has already done wonders with a few million dollars. Perhaps that would just be too logical.

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07/04, 1:13 AM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

A little Sammy Hagar anyone?

07/04, 1:14 AM

posted by:

Carwatcher

55 MPH!!!!!!!!!Please. I can see this bill instantly getting shot down by both Republicans and Democrats. Maybe John Warner needs to drive 55 so I can pass him on the right lane instead of the left lane.

07/04, 1:52 AM

posted by:

vwoom

The senator is just making noise, and has decided not seeking reelection this year….called it quits. Yep, I see this bill going down as well.

07/04, 2:11 AM

posted by:

A True Gear Head

Oh no, not again.

07/04, 2:14 AM

posted by:

beatusmongous

News is supposed to be unbiased, but you can sure smell the bias in this writer’s words.

Wouldn’t it be funny, though, if the bill did pass? Everyone here would be upset. I know I would be upset. But think about it, if it was 55, would you really drive 55? Most would probably do 60 or 65, and I’m sure many would go higher. And then a cop would get you, you would pay a hefty fine, and your money would go to the state government. You know they will like that idea.

And think about this: Senators and Representatives don’t usually drive, and they are exempt from simple traffic violations, so why would they care if the limit was changed?

I sent this from a BlackBerry, so forgive any spelling mistakes, please.

07/04, 2:49 AM

posted by:

Badass Z51

He can go suck my dogs ****……that should keep him busy!

07/04, 3:01 AM

posted by:

TOZO

I hope that retardo drops dead.

07/04, 3:03 AM

posted by:

acura_el2000

so dumb, if anything the limit should be raised, considering the significant safety and performance improvements over the years.

07/04, 4:52 AM

posted by:

fan

i’m all in for that. see how the reps get you from behind…
as they do that, they should pass a bill that all new autos must have a limiter so the fastest they can go is 56 (enough for a ticket, but to few to be any fun to drive)
plus, all government cars need to be free of this limiter, of course…

07/04, 5:43 AM

posted by:

howsmydriving

It took a Repube-lican (Nixon) to impose the 55 mph speed limit. It took a Democrat (Clinton) to lift it. Think I’ll vote Democrat yet again. You can make all the Monica jokes you want, it doesn’t change the FACT that Clinton was the best President ever.

07/04, 5:43 AM

posted by:

VictorRaikkonen

Lol at the idiot who thinks this to be a good idea. Seriously, in 1974 most cars speedo’s did not even go above 80mph, and in a few cars you at 50mph in the 3rd of 6 gears.

07/04, 5:45 AM

posted by:

VictorRaikkonen

Further, at the least fastlane could have done was get a picture of a gage in miles per hour rather than kilometres per hour, for the purposes of illustration.

07/04, 7:30 AM

posted by:

JohnnyBlazE

I think the UK should increase speed limits from 70mph to 80mph… They’ll have less congestion on the roads and less accidents :P

We’ve seen a number of implementations by the government to increase the amount of fuel used in start-stop traffic in the UK over the years… pointless “traffic” lights in stupid places, speed bumps EVERYWHERE, speed cameras all over the place.

Slowing, speeding up… it’s all wasting fuel, destroying brakes, suspension etc…

Speed cameras aren’t causing less accidents, but just increasing the amount of money the government sucks off us…

Oh well…

/me loves my 2.5 I6 thirsty beast of an E30 ;)

07/04, 9:05 AM

posted by:

010111

hmmm. i don’t know. i get better mileage at 75-80 in 5th than 55 in 4th.

55 in 5th is just plain dangerous… in addition to getting crap mileage in all honesty.

so in my limited experience… my mileage would be punished. my guess is the senator either drives an automatic land barge or chauffeured anyway and is talking way out of his league.

07/04, 9:11 AM

posted by:

alex189a

THIK OF TEH PLANET PEOPLE. 15 MPH SAVED = LIKE 4,000,000 TONS OF C02 A DAY AND OVER THE COURSE OF JUST LIKE 2 YEARS THIS COULD PREVENT TEMPETAIUTERS RISING BY LIKE 20 DEGRESS. IF YOUR AGAINST THIS YOUR KILLING POLLAR BEARS.

Haven’t seen any idiot greenie comments yet so had to throw one in.

07/04, 9:50 AM

posted by:

Madcapp

Once again, proving beyond a shadow of doubt, that republicans are worthless, out of touch pieces of ****. Turn on your AM radio and you’ll undoubtedly hear Rush Limbaugh talking about this like its the best idea he’s ever heard…next to faith based initiatives.

07/04, 9:52 AM

posted by:

mayer_ray_nagin

The author needs to shove his political bias up where the sun don’t shine. That’s not to say I disagree with his bias, but he’s an author and LLN should not take political sides unless maybe it specifically has to do with vehicles, IMHO.

That being said, this senator can ram it up his tobacco-filled arse.

07/04, 9:53 AM

posted by:

mayer_ray_nagin

Hey Madcapp, Obama’s now talking “faith based initiatives.” Go figure.

07/04, 9:54 AM

posted by:

Madcapp

by the way, the word that got delete in my previous post #16 is “****”. Thank you.

07/04, 9:55 AM

posted by:

Madcapp

I got nothing good to say about Obama. Understanding that republicans suck does NOT automatically make democrats good.

07/04, 10:03 AM

posted by:

mayer_ray_nagin

Agreed, Madcapp. The past 3 elections the main two choices have gotten progressively worse. Like each time the Reps and Dems say “if you think our candidate sucked ass last time, check this out!”.

I hate to sit out any election but it is temmpting. I’ll probably vote libertarian. We need a third party badly.

07/04, 11:00 AM

posted by:

vinman

Warner is retiring after this term. Can those of you in VA please write your Senator and walk him back from this stupidity?

07/04, 11:08 AM

posted by:

swamprat

We need to shoot this idea down. Time for calls and emails to senators on this issue. If we don’t, a national speed limit will be far worse this time around than it was in 1974-1995.

First, the Dishonorable Warner deliberately falsified the fuel savings from the 55 mph speed limit. The National Academy of Sciences stated that raising the speed limit to 65 mph on interstates would increase fuel consumption by a whopping 0.18 percent, not 2 percent as Warner states.

Second, the National speed limit had a NIL effect on fuel consumption as evidenced by this chart. As compliance dropped, fuel economy rose regardless. That is because people traded their gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient wheels.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/txt/ptb0208.html

It is true that you save more fuel driving at 55 mph than at 70 in most cases. What is also true is that 55 mph is 30 mph below the design speed of most highways and that driving at that speed is a traffic hazard. It also causes more weaving, braking and accelerating by many who simply don’t have the time or the interest in driving slower than grandma in her 93 Buick Century.

Europeans paid what we are paying for gas way back in 1980. They have gotten along fine with higher speed limits than we have here. It is time to take idiots like Warner off the road.

07/04, 11:56 AM

posted by:

TomF

The 55-mph limit in 1974 was a tactic to coax more efficiency out of 1974-era automobiles. There were a lot more heavy-framed RWD V8s back then. The automotive universe 35 years later is totally different; my car doesn’t even want to be shifted into fifth gear until 55-60 mph.

And what Swamprat says about highway design speed is true. I also remember a study in the late 1970s showing that from a human information-procssing standpoint, 55mph is exactly the wrong speed to drive on a freeway. Too slow for the road and your eye — you get bored and antsy and start making mistakes.

This isn’t going anywhere anyway.

07/04, 12:33 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

Wow, Swamprat, if Grandma is driving a ‘93 Buick, I’m getting really old. My first car was a ‘92 Escort.

Realistically speaking, though, 55 mph may be a bad choice, but I’m sure we all realize two things:
1) There may be a compromise in the air, such as 65 all around instead of 55, or a reduction on truck speed limits (which would really be stupid).
2) Nearly all politicians these days, whether Republican or Democrat, are way out of touch with the typical American society. These guys don’t have to worry about the limits themselves. They never take long road trips. They just hop in their plane when they want to go a decent distance. And a single jet plane uses much more fuel than thousands of ‘93 Buicks traveling at 75 mph.

Really, the best thing they could do is create some way to make our surface street travel better. We all get better mileage on the highway. Hmm, I wonder why? Is it because WE DON’T STOP MOVING? Why, yes, it is! The surface streets, where people have to start and stop all the time, is where the majority of our fuel is wasted. If they could come up with a light system that worked, and one that let us go without stopping all the time, we would save tons of fuel. In my town, the “other” light stays green while no one is approaching it, and then turns red right when the traffic comes. It’s like the lights want everyone to stop.

But beware, there’s also a Democrat that wants to ban the fast food drive through for the same crazy reason. That particular person feels that idling while waiting in line wastes too much fuel. That person may be right, but it’s still a ridiculous request. Sonic would be the only place that could survive with that law (exaggerating).

07/04, 12:55 PM

posted by:

The Stig

@ alex189a

The pollar [sic] bears are so boned that their only option is to unionize and start collective bargaining for the prime zoo spots, a percentage of gross merchandise sales, more fresh meat, etc.

07/04, 1:00 PM

posted by:

rodeo40

Never did 55 then…won’t do it this time.

07/04, 1:07 PM

posted by:

1c3d0g

This is ridiculous. What’s next? People aren’t allowed to buy muscle cars anymore? Or any other type of sports cars because “they go too fast”? Please. What an idiot senator.

07/04, 1:10 PM

posted by:

beantownslut

I can’t drive 55.
Vote Obama

07/04, 1:50 PM

posted by:

Impulsive

I am horny … just thought I’d share that.

07/04, 2:20 PM

posted by:

A True Gear Head

JohnnyBlaze you got an e30? nice, i got one too but i have 35 grand put into it hehehe, I still get 30mpg, gotta love those inline 6s

07/04, 2:22 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

I’m writing this comment while riding in a Hemi Durango at 70 mph. Just thought I’d share.

07/04, 2:25 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

Oh, and there’s a 70 year old lady in a large GMC pickup passing us.

07/04, 2:36 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

…I guess that’s better than being passed by a large lady in a 70 year old GMC.

07/04, 3:00 PM

posted by:

tripleonefive

It doesn’t matter bc all of the “enthusiasts” on this site all drive 100mph on the autobahn everyday

07/04, 3:34 PM

posted by:

TOZO

“Faith based initiatives” from the guy who resigned from his most recent religion, mayer_ray. It don’t get no weirder.

07/04, 4:33 PM

posted by:

DialM4Speed

I drive 55 on my way to work and when I don’t have to be anywhere in a hurry and it does save gas BUT I don’t need this piece of legislation or any like it thanks! I’ll make up my own mind!

07/04, 5:33 PM

posted by:

Bryce

Eating my posts again?

07/04, 5:34 PM

posted by:

Bryce

I can post short sentences but not a paragraph. Anyone else having this issue?

07/04, 5:36 PM

posted by:

Impulsive

Too much hot air?

07/04, 5:38 PM

posted by:

Bryce

Author: work on your grammar and lose the cheap, cliched jabs at Iraq. Hell, LLN, fire this guy and hire me. I does writes best than this dood.

07/04, 5:42 PM

posted by:

Bryce

No, Impulsive, if it were it would’ve been posted. Yours always go through.

07/04, 6:04 PM

posted by:

iglesias294

When I feel like saving gas I go to 60 and just cruise control that bitch. I dont need some bull**** law to force me to do it all the time now.

07/04, 6:21 PM

posted by:

mayer_ray_nagin

Another reason to despise all politicians.
BTW, wanna see censoring? Try spelling the word “soshialism” here correctly and see if you ever get your post to show. Why that particular word is banned I will never know. You can say capitalism, though.

07/04, 6:53 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

LMAO, Johnny, you always find the funniest way to turn things around.

07/04, 6:54 PM

posted by:

Bryce

HAH! Mayer_ray_nagin, thank you. You answered my question. I thought it might be censoring but I couldn’t figure it out.

07/04, 6:58 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

You’re right, Ray. It doesn’t work. Darn fascists.

07/04, 7:20 PM

posted by:

TOZO

Communists.

07/04, 7:20 PM

posted by:

iglesias294

soshialism? You guys must not be doing it right.

07/04, 7:33 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

Pinko KGB Big Brother pig fartknockers.

07/04, 7:48 PM

posted by:

angelo

Love E30s. I used to own an iX. I now have a Z4, it’s my 4th BMW inline-6. They’ve all done over 25mpg on the highway and been plenty fun.

America will be a better place when John Warner leaves the Senate, even if we get Mark Warner in his place.

This comes from a person that has ALWAYS voted Republican.

07/04, 8:27 PM

posted by:

JeepGuyNC

I mean really.. most new cars go more than 55 backwards.. which is what this bill would be! Finally the American auto industry has awaken to realize mom and 3 kids do not really need an 8 litre 12 passenger SUV to go to ballgames on a daily basis.. there is a need for these vehicles.. but more attention should have been directed years ago to better fuel efficient vehicles.. final word.. Oil Company Kickback!

07/04, 8:37 PM

posted by:

Impulsive

‘Bryce’, come now … we all know my posts are of the highest worth and quality here. Don’t be jealous. I only post FACT. Remember, CAFE is good.

07/04, 9:24 PM

posted by:

beatusmongous

Olds, where are you?

In Russia, the speed limits you!

07/04, 9:33 PM

posted by:

johnnycanuck

…and where’s trooper1? I’m sure he has a delightful take on collisions not being nearly gruesome enough at 55 mph.

07/05, 1:53 AM

posted by:

olds307

oh yeh…. In Soviet Russia, 55 MPH national speed limits YOU!!

07/05, 1:04 PM

posted by:

Flipper

This is the type of legislation made by someone who has never, or plans on never, driving between Phoenix & L.A. I think we should make these senators drive themselves around this country a bit and see if they THEN think its such a good idea.

07/05, 1:20 PM

posted by:

S1L1SC

I will stilll be going faster than the speed limit. Just sucks that once you hit 20 mph over the limit they can charge you with all kinds of crap in addition to speeding.

07/05, 5:17 PM

posted by:

global_lightning

As I reside in Northern Virginia, let me explain this Senator’s idea. It has little to do with the conserving gas, instead it’s about government revinue. Virginia makes a lot of money of vehicles in 4 ways:
1. New car sales taxes and registrations. These are down.
2. Personal property tax on vehicles. This is based on the cars resell value, which for most medium and large vehicles is down.
3. Traffic and parking fines. As people have cut back on driving and are slowing down, these are down.
4. Fuel taxes. These are up, but not enough to cover the other three areas. Some have proposed cutting these as a relief from high gas prices.

This proposal would let local governments lower speed limits to regain some money from tickets. Your government at work…

07/05, 9:21 PM

posted by:

cwa107

Ridiculous. Another attempt at infringing upon states’ rights as usual. Today’s fuel prices are the direct result of a weakening US dollar and increased global demand. Curbing oil usage by dropping the speed limit is not the answer to this particular conundrum.

07/05, 11:54 PM

posted by:

loudpedal

I’ll get out and take a wiz on the first 55 mph sign I see!! I was a member of Citizen’s Coalition for Rational Traffic Laws (CCRTL)back in the 80s. If this happens, I’ll resurrect the organization!

07/06, 1:50 AM

posted by:

GT Pro

Reducing the horrendous congestion that costs the U.S economy up to $90,000,000 a year in lost productivity and motor fuel is currently far more important than pursuing a 55mph policy that will not only completley fail to do what it is intended but also will exacerbate the already monumentous congestion problems almost every single American has to face on their way to work.

Traffic congestion is already responsible for wasting 6 BILLION gallons of motor fuel annually. This new policy will do the exact OPPOSITE of what is intended.

07/06, 2:36 AM

posted by:

monte

Precisely, when you wait in traffic every car gets 0 MPG

07/06, 3:59 PM

posted by:

Htay9500

what about fixing the nations traffic lights? sitting in traffic is more polluting than going past 55. seriously, politicians should always keep doing what they always do: bribe and screw secretaries.

07/07, 7:43 AM

posted by:

JohnnyBlazE

010111 are you out of your mind?

I can do 25mph in 5th without the car shuddering or anything; 55 is a doddle.

It’s when I reach 70mph the tachy is showing 3,500rpm which I don’t like :(

Stupid 4.10 open diff for 1.8 when i need 3.91 for 2.5 :(

07/07, 7:42 PM

posted by:

swamprat

Loudpedal –

You don’t have to resurrect Citizens Coalition for Rational Traffic Laws. They are still there under a new name. You are invited to join. They are called the National Motorists Association and can be found at http://www.motorists.org. We need new members!

11/06, 12:03 PM

posted by:

jackjimturkey

“Republican politicians are supposed to stand for less government intervention in the lives of Americans.”

The republican party has lost it’s way. That’s why it lost to a Freshman Senator.
I’m against speed limits on the open highway. At least as expressed numerically.

“That abomination took 21 years to repeal.” That’s editorializing, LLN.

johnnycanuck: “A little Sammy Hagar anyone?” Sure.
Carwatcher: if John Warner needs to top out at 55, he should stay off the freeway.

howsmydriving: Clinton was not the best President ever, but without the 23rd amandment, he’d still be president, and gas would be $1.75 a gallon.

Madcapp: republicans are worthless, but so are democrats … minus a few exceptions in both parties.

angelo: I wanted Mark Warner to run for president.

12/07, 1:09 PM

posted by:

LeftLaneVy

driving is a privilege, not a right

you’re all in the american mindset of speeding all the time just cuz you can. if everyone was a little more conscious of their money, their parents money, their car, their gas, their environment, then this would be a better place

http://www.cleanmpg.com/

do some research

 
 
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