TEXAS: Speed Limit Raising to 85!
Kudos to TX and for all those concerned about the speeds, higher speed limits will not increase accidents. Anyway the only highways I've been on in TX are I-10 and I-610 and they are the best I've ever been on ha ha. I have no idea what the speed limit was but had some fun for sure.
Don't complain too much, you could live here:
Highest in the state is 65 and that's pretty much limited to the Thruway. NYC is 50mph.
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Only good thing is that we don't have a lot of Highway Patrol Officers here.
Highest in the state is 65 and that's pretty much limited to the Thruway. NYC is 50mph.
When the energy crisis began in 1973, the Federal government proposed lowering the speed limit to 50 MPH for cars and 55 MPH for trucks and interstate buses in order to conserve fuel. The higher speed for trucks and buses would have placed them in the left lanes of controlled access highways, potentially creating hazards for other motorists. Of course, states would have to implement the speed laws through legislation, or by emergency proclamation by the governors.
New York State was one of the first states to adopt the lower speed limits, and by late November 1973, the state enacted a maximum 50 MPH limit on all highways for cars, trucks and buses. New York City followed suit, lowering the routes with a 55 MPH limit to 50 MPH. On high speed controlled-access routes, linear speed limits were gradually lowered about one mile from their signal-controlled termini.
On January 1, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed the National Maximum Speed Limit (NMSL) into law. This legislation established the 55 MPH national speed limit, and penalized any state that allowed speeds above 55 MPH. In early 1974, New York State raised the state maximum from 50 MPH to 55 MPH, but New York City did not restore the 55 MPH limits on routes previously posted.
New York State was one of the first states to adopt the lower speed limits, and by late November 1973, the state enacted a maximum 50 MPH limit on all highways for cars, trucks and buses. New York City followed suit, lowering the routes with a 55 MPH limit to 50 MPH. On high speed controlled-access routes, linear speed limits were gradually lowered about one mile from their signal-controlled termini.
On January 1, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed the National Maximum Speed Limit (NMSL) into law. This legislation established the 55 MPH national speed limit, and penalized any state that allowed speeds above 55 MPH. In early 1974, New York State raised the state maximum from 50 MPH to 55 MPH, but New York City did not restore the 55 MPH limits on routes previously posted.
Only good thing is that we don't have a lot of Highway Patrol Officers here.
lower limits usually doesnt help fuel economy. Depends on your cars engine, aerodynamics. Just more nanny state BS. How does keeping me on the highway longer help reduce conserve fuel lol. Taking that point further stop and go traffic should be super conservative for fuel.
It was tried in houston lowering the limit from 65 to 55, and they found out it didnt do squat for emissions or mpg, but it did cost $8 million to change the signs back
It was tried in houston lowering the limit from 65 to 55, and they found out it didnt do squat for emissions or mpg, but it did cost $8 million to change the signs back
I've driven in Texas (I-20) where the speed limit is mostly 80mph (day time only). It's much better than here in CA. Everyone actually stays out of the left lane if they are not going to drive 80. And even the faster drivers only use the left lane for passing and dont drive up right on your tail before switching lanes like they do here in CA. Texas highways are much better to drive on IMO.
With a speed limit this high, I don't have to street race anymore. This satisfies my need for speed.
My little Saturn will get run off the road though. I'll have to drive my SC on the highways or just get a faster daily driver like a Corvette or Supra TT...
My little Saturn will get run off the road though. I'll have to drive my SC on the highways or just get a faster daily driver like a Corvette or Supra TT...
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: TX
God I hope it doesn't come to the DFW area. A lot of people here simply don't know how to drive on the highway, where 60-65 is currently the max limit around the metroplex. It frightens me to think of anyone doing 85.
The problem is so many people are selfish drivers and don't care about anyone around them, as long as they get to where they are going they don't care about the mess it causes for everyone else.
The problem is so many people are selfish drivers and don't care about anyone around them, as long as they get to where they are going they don't care about the mess it causes for everyone else.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 48
From: NY
Of course it will cause safety issue for the public with high speed limit. Imaging a small 2,500lbs car cruising at 90/100mph......these car will flip/roll/bounce like a ball. I drive the 2,500lbs Corolla for 8 years and 65~70 MPH is the limit for a stable ride on a good/average interstate HWY. Yes, you can drive faster but the car will start to bounce. A 3,600lbs car will do just fine but a average small/midsize sedan will become unstable at 80MPH and it will take alot of focus to stay on the road.
I have had 4~5 hour driving trip with both G35x & the RSX. The G35x was stable/easy to steer at 75MPH while I have to pay close attention on the steer of the RSX. It would has been easiler at 65MPH, but I don't feel like falling behind the traffic flow.
Alot of people like to stay with the traffic flow regradless of the car they are driving (Like me). Keep in mind that the time & distance to stop a car from 60MPH-0 & 80MPH-0 are day & night!!! And its easy to lost control of the car.
I have had 4~5 hour driving trip with both G35x & the RSX. The G35x was stable/easy to steer at 75MPH while I have to pay close attention on the steer of the RSX. It would has been easiler at 65MPH, but I don't feel like falling behind the traffic flow.
Alot of people like to stay with the traffic flow regradless of the car they are driving (Like me). Keep in mind that the time & distance to stop a car from 60MPH-0 & 80MPH-0 are day & night!!! And its easy to lost control of the car.
Last edited by grabber2; Apr 15, 2011 at 11:41 AM.
