| Did you know during the 1970s, the United States | | | | National Maximum Speed Law and 33 states raised |
| Congress adopted a nationwide 55 mile-per-hour | | | | their speed limits, the Cato Institute said traffic deaths |
| speed limit law? They even withheld highway funding | | | | dropped to a record low. So there might be more at |
| from any state that failed to comply with the federal | | | | stake than just saving a little gas. |
| law. That law was repealed over 12 years ago, but | | | | I personally don't believe Congress should pass this law |
| with the rising cost of fuel and global warming | | | | again. The states have spent plenty of time and |
| concerns, some people are asking Congress to | | | | money determining the proper speed limits for every |
| re-adopt the law of the 1970s. | | | | road in their states. If drivers can drive faster than 55 |
| One of those groups is Drive 55 who is helping lobby | | | | miles per hour while not endangering other people, they |
| Congress to re-pass this law. They also encourage | | | | should be allowed to. |
| people to donate, get bumper stickers and encourage | | | | The drawbacks aren't measured just in terms of |
| other people to drive 55 miles per hours. "Sheer | | | | minutes lost. The SF Times reports there's the feeling |
| physics tell you lower speeds equal better fuel | | | | of inadequacy that comes from being flipped off by a |
| economy, fewer injuries and lower emissions" said | | | | little boy in another car. From being tailgated by little old |
| Justin McNaull, director of state relations for AAA. | | | | ladies and pickup trucks. From being passed by 830 |
| But The American Heritage Foundation claims 12 years | | | | vehicles, including an AC Transit bus, on a drive from |
| of 55 mile per hour speed limits cut fuel consumption | | | | the Bay Area to deep into the San Joaquin Valley. |
| by just 1 percent. After Congress repealed the | | | | |