Speed Limits – No
A majority of people just won't drive 55! Just like the song, when there is an open highway, and even when there is traffic, driving 55 is ancient history. It didn't work well in the 70's, and it certainly won't work well now. Cars are built better, they can travel faster with smooth operations, and roads are better equipped to handle higher speeds.
Some in congress are proposing to revert back to 55 to save energy, and I believe this is the wrong way to go. There are better ways to save energy than this antiquated method of driving. Concentrate on better gas mileage, better fuels and electric or hybrid vehicles and we can ween ourselves off of imported oil. We have to do this now, not some hazy time in the future, but now. To force people to drive slower smacks of big brother, besides we have enough laws already. In fact, we can't enforce the laws we already have adequately now.
Lowering the national speed limit to 55 will cause more traffic accidents than prevent them. Don't believe this? Well, first off, most people will not travel 55. That is a fact. The next time you are on the freeway, drive the posted speed limit. See how many people pass you and you will be amazed. If you think speeds posted at 55 on major highways will help, think again. They won't even drive the 65, let alone 55. But there will be people who attempt to do so. That is where the problem lies. It is a fact that the difference between high and low speeds cause accidents. The roads will become a killing field.
Better driver education, more enforcement of drinking and driving, and safer vehicles and roads all help to counter road fatalities. Also, energy consumption has gotten better and better with safer and lighter vehicles. Better design such as stronger brakes and body frames countering impacts coupled with airbags have helped reduce accidents and have kept people safer. Speed in itself is not the problem, differing speeds are. If we lower the speed limits, our accident rate will go up, not down.
It is foolish and shortsighted on some people in congress to revert back to driving 55 miles per hour. Do everything you can to stop this movement, because it has disaster written all over it. If your lawmakers are pushing this insane measure, call them and have it stopped. Email them, tell everyone you know that you disagree with this measure and spread the word. It has to be nipped in the bud in the beginning so it doesn't have a chance to spread. It is a dangerous proposal.
Right now, states have the right to set their own speed limits and it should stay that way. Each state knows it's own roads and people better than the government and that is the first step to a smoother and safer transportation system. Let's keep it this way.
