bagwell

I couldn't see how it would hurt anything. I definitely hate dumping $50 worth of gas in my car and would like to do everything I can to stretch it.

hummm.....I never thought I be endoring a 55mph speed limit.....

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

they did this in houston and it was a miserable failure, it did nothing for pollution (govt claimed it would lower pollution, but youre spending more time on the road so whats the point), they raised it back to 65 some time later. Spend more time on road = no thanks

I made more mileage than indicated on my sticker doing 80mph on the highway

sonyman

Personally, provided that an independent study proves that there are considerable mileage gains on average, I think it might be beneficial. Now, I'm not saying that I wouldn't be annoyed by the extra commute time, but occassionally sacrifices need to be made. I don't think we're quite to this point yet, however.

Scott

bagwell

uh yeh...that was when gas was $1.25/gallon.....things have changed DRAMATICALLY.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

We gotta remember that some cars are not always more efficient at lower speed vs newer speed. Example, my former legend gets better gas mileage when travelling at 55mph than at 45mph (this is all in top gear). The engine efficiency varies througout the revband.

bagwell

but I guarantee its more efficient at 55 than 65....

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I never said you were wrong. I'm just stating how efficiency is never constant. Am I wrong?

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

no this was less than 2 years ago gas was still pricy then. No one actually obeys the speed limit around here, if you dont drive 80 on some of houstons hwys when its clear you will hold up traffic. Get your hybrid but dont make the rest of us suffer with lowering the speed limit, it didnt work before

GSXLEX

iTrader: (2)

Nope...cause instead of paying for less gas you'd be paying for more speeding fines and higher insurance rates

LexFather

Lowering speed limits is about revenue, its not about saving gas.
No one is forcing people to drive the limit or over the limit. That is a person's choice.

I have noticed when I drive a boring car, like my RX, I cruise and I notice my gas mileage is fine. WHen I get a loaner like the IS, my gas mileage sucks b/c I am driving the snot outta the car.

Enthusiasts just won't care, we want to drive!

bagwell

if gas is $5 gallon or more will you still want to drive....?
I realize some people on this forum are loaded with cash....but at some point, sooner or later(as I said, later in some cases) its just a waste of money.

you can still race at SCCA events....

TheRupp

Our speed limits are already strictly enforced at 55. I hate it. Raising it to 65 would actually decrease accidents and increase the compliance rate. I did a report on this last year for school.

Fuel economy... not sure but I know the GS430 gets about 27 around 75-80 and only hangs around 24-25 around 55, if that high.

However, the ES300 only got 24.5 on a road trip i just took a week ago where the speed limits are 70. Granted that's the highest mileage I've ever seen out of that car, but still disappointing.

bagwell

wrong again! it was August 20, 2002 when the speed limits were temporarily lowered for air quiality issues only....had nothing at all to do with high gas prices.

as I said, things have changed dramatically.

Onelove

If I'm paying 3.05 per gallon I want the speed limit to be 100, not 55. If I'm gonna get raped at the pump I want to enjoy every penny, even if it means spending more. Gotta pay to play in this world, the $10.00 a week you save in fuel savings is going to mean a lot more in lost time and posibilities for tickets for those of us who are speed demons.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

and you think putting a new limit does anything, that assumes that people actually obey the speed limit, good luck with that, let the govt waste another several million dollars changing street signs. People getting out of SUVs, maintaining your vehicle, is going to save more gas than any speed limit regulation, attacking the problem from a totally wrong direction. Yea that 55 mph limit is sure gonna help in rush hour, obviously the time of day when the most cars and most fuel is being burned and everyone is going to be moving well under 55 mph at times, that speed limit wont do anything