Jul 4, 2008 10:23 pm US/Eastern
National Speed Limit May Help Fuel Costs
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
As gas prices hit another all time high this holiday weekend, a top Washington lawmaker is suggesting a national speed limit to save fuel.
The horsepower in our cars may be increasing but Virginia Senator John Warner thinks it is time to slow down on the highway to rein in soaring gas prices.
Some motorists agree.
"Right now that would be good because gas prices are so high the faster you drive the more gas you burn," said Marcus Price. "Anything to save gas would be great," said Joe Mantini.
Sen. Warner wants Congress to consider imposing a national speed limit to save gas.
Not everyone feels the same way. "I don't see how it would make a difference," said Lindsay Dakin. "I think it would just cause a lot more traffic."
"I think it's something that would be tough to enforce," added Rose Page.
In 1974, Congress set the national speed limit at 55 miles per hour because of energy shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo. It was repealed in 1995 when the price of crude oil dropped to $17 dollars/barrel and gas cost $1.10 per gallon.
With gas averaging $4.10 a gallon today and oil hovering at $145 a barrel, Sen. Warner feels his suggestion could save fuel.
The senator said studies showed the 55 mph limit saved 167,000 barrels of oil a day or 2% of the country's highway fuel consumption.
In addition, the slower speed prevents up to 4,000 traffic deaths a year.
"People are just going to naturally go faster, no mater what the speed limit is," said Linda Erbs.
"As far as here in the eastern states, I could see it but once you pass over the Mississippi, I'd like the speed limit to state 75, 65," said John Rossetti.
Sen. Warner wants the Energy Department to determine at what speeds would be most fuel efficient, how much fuel would be saved and if prices would be reduced.
According to the Department of Energy, cars become far less fuel efficient at speeds over 60 miles an hour. Driving 70 miles an hour is estimated to cost drivers about 60 cents a gallon more.
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