Voluntary 55 mph speed limit?

[VA-165 Boomer]

In an effort to reduce consumption and emissions should we slow down?

[fjccommish]

Slow down if you want. Fuel efficiency at different speeds varies with different cars. Some are more efficient at 65 MPH, some at 70MPH, some at 55MPH - it varies.

[WhiteHatBobby]

The rules when written in 1974 were for cars that had 2 or 3 speed automatics and 4-speed manuals. Modern cars have 5, 6, 7, or 8 speeds gearboxes, although some older Chevrolets used 4-speeds mainly because of the wide powerband of their engines. Modern 6-speed gearboxes can make better fuel economy at 70 than a 3 or 4 speed at 55.

[Safiel]

I would advise against slowing down.

As a frequent driver along I-95 between Florida and Virginia, I can tell you first hand that driving any slower than 75 is likely to get you killed.

[Vaard]

drive slow if you want, but please do it in the far left lane and not the right/"fast" lane........

[VCaddy05]

The 55 mantra is a crock. Cars can get optimal fuel efficiency at different speeds. My truck probably gets its best fuel economy around 55 to 60. My Cadillac got its best fuel economy around 65-70. Do whats best for you, as its not always whats best for the collective.

[Safiel]

Cars are more efficient at higher speeds these days. Cars are MUCH safer than they were in the 70's. Roads are safer and are built to handle higher speeds.

55 (or even 60 or 65) speed limits would be non starters these days.

[drylok]

drive slow if you want, but please do it in the far left lane and not the right/"fast" lane........

I thought the left lane was the fast lane

[VCaddy05]

I thought the left lane was the fast lane

and I thought every lane was...

[orpheusvpavlov]

The 55 mantra is a crock. Cars can get optimal fuel efficiency at different speeds. My truck probably gets its best fuel economy around 55 to 60. My Cadillac got its best fuel economy around 65-70. Do whats best for you, as its not always whats best for the collective.

As are the sticker price claims. Those tests aren't done in real driving conditions.

More important at speeds above 50 is wind resistance. That is likely why the caddy did better than the pick-up. Trucks are like shoving a wall through a hurricane, sedans are wedge-like.

[janer]

Many years ago, we drove cross country a few times. In a broad area of the midsection the posted speed limit was "Reasonable and Prudent". No number, just the understanding that the driver was responsible for recognizing that road conditions, weather conditions, volume of traffic could affect safety.

[PSBandit]

Sammy has it right...

The hazards of driving 55:

When I drive that slow, you know it's hard to steer.
And I can't get my car out of second gear.

Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvV3nn_de2k

Music video by Sammy Hagar performing I Can't Drive 55. (C) 1984 Geffen Records

I said "Yeah!, Oh yea!"

[RWReaganfan]

Sure! I want to make my two-hour trip home from work on Friday into a three-hour trip.

[markdido]

Originally Posted by Vaard
drive slow if you want, but please do it in the far left lane and not the right/"fast" lane........

I thought the left lane was the fast lane

It's Vaard.......

[notluzn]

My 06 GTO gets the best at 75-80 mph.