Editorial

Let’s all say it: ‘I can drive 55’

The Forest Grove News-Times, Aug 6, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (9 Reader comments)

When John Warner revved up an idea to look into the possibility of reactivating a national speed limit on federal highways –

reminiscent of the action taken during the energy crisis of the 1970s – the U.S. Senator from Virginia hit on a plan that has real merit in relation to today’s crippling escalation of fuel prices and the nation’s unhealthy reliance on foreign oil.

Slowing down makes sense on several fronts:

• Driving at even a few miles per hour less than 65 mph increases the fuel efficiency of vehicles and reduces gas and diesel consumption. Across the nation, trucking firms have instituted maximum speed policies of 62 mph. One major national trucking company that serves Oregon and operates 4,500 trucks nationally estimates that dropping speeds by 3 mph will save the company 3.2 million gallons of diesel fuel per year. At an average commercial price of $4 per gallon for diesel, the reduced fuel consumption would save the firm $12.8 million annually.

• Lower fuel consumption by trucking firms and motorists will increase national fuel supplies, which, at least theoretically, should nudge gas and diesel prices lower.

• Motorist and truck safety improves at reduced speeds.

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