Time to drive 55 miles per hour again

                                                                                         

Did you know during the 1970s, the United States Congress adopted a nationwide 55 mile-per-hour speed limit law. They even withheld highway funding from any state that failed to comply with the federal law. That law was repealed over 12 years ago, but with the rising cost of fuel and global warming concerns, some people are asking Congress to re-adopt the law of the 1970s.

One of those groups is Drive 55 who is helping lobby Congress to re-pass this law. They also encourage people to donate, get bumper stickers and encourage other people to drive 55 miles per hours. "Sheer physics tell you lower speeds equal better fuel economy, fewer injuries and lower emissions" said Justin McNaull, director of state relations for AAA.

But The American Heritage Foundation claims 12 years of 55 mile per hour speed limits cut fuel consumption by just 1 percent. After Congress repealed the National Maximum Speed Law and 33 states raised their speed limits, the Cato Institute said traffic deaths dropped to a record low. So there might be more at stake than just saving a little gas.

I personally don't believe Congress should pass this law again. The states have spent plenty of time and money determining the proper speed limits for every road in their states. If drivers can drive faster than 55 miles per hour while not endangering other people, they should be allowed to.

The drawbacks aren't measured just in terms of minutes lost. The SF Times reports there's the feeling of inadequacy that comes from being flipped off by a little boy in another car. From being tailgated by little old ladies and pickup trucks. From being passed by 830 vehicles, including an AC Transit bus, on a drive from the Bay Area to deep into the San Joaquin Valley.

About the author:
Global warming facts by Alex Weidmann

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