The oil crisis of the 1970s spawned some catchy slogans, such as “55 Saves Lives,” and “Don’t Be Fuelish.”
While these messages were meant to reduce the number of highway deaths and lower fuel consumption, these days many drivers continue to flout posted speed limits despite skyrocketing gas prices.
On Interstate 17 in Arizona, for example, the posted speed limit ranges between 65 mph and 75 mph. But on any given day, vehicles can be observed going much faster—sometimes with tragic consequences.
The roadside shrines and crosses on both sides of I-17 stand as sad testaments to the nation’s fourth-deadliest highway for fatal accidents.
AAA spokesman Andrew Gross said that while slower driving increases fuel efficiency and saves on gas, it can be a double-edged sword.
On highways that post higher speed limits, “you don’t want to be driving 50 and pose a safety hazard for everybody else,” he told The Epoch Times.
Still, recent studies show that vehicles traveling in excess of 56 mph render safety equipment significantly less effective, he said.
“It’s just basic physics. The faster you go, the more likely you’re going to be killed or severely injured in a crash,“ Gross said. “Human nature is people want to go faster—55 to stay alive is still a great thing.”
The New Normal
In response to the Arab oil embargo, Congress in 1974 passed the National Maximum Speed Law, which established a maximum highway speed of 55 mph. This occurred at a time when most states had speed limits ranging from 60 mph to 70 mph.A 1978 public announcement stated, “55 mph. It’s a law we can live with.”
As many states attempted to obey the law, tens of thousands of lives were saved, according to supporters of the bill—in spite of countless scofflaws.
In 1995, the law was repealed as fuel became plentiful once again. Many states went back to higher speed limits even as the number of road fatalities went up.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were 33,244 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2019 in which more than 36,000 people died.
California, with a population of 39.5 million, led the nation in 2019 with 3,316 fatal crashes that resulted in 3,606 deaths. The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. It’s 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways.
Texas came in second in 2019 with 3,294 fatal crashes and 3,615 deaths. The state has a maximum speed limit of 70 mph.
However, the state allows the Texas Transportation Commission to set a maximum speed limit of 80 mph to 85 mph if the highway is designed to accommodate higher speeds, according to the state’s department of transportation.
At present, five states—Indiana, Maryland, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Vermont—are considering lowering speed limits to improve traffic safety.
Is Your Vehicle A ‘Gas Guzzler’?
While the notion that slow and easy saves lives and leads to lower fuel consumption, the pain at the pump in 2022 has not yet manifested in altered driving behavior, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.com.“In many cases, the pandemic has increased the amount of stress. I don’t know how many Americans are going” to drive slower due to higher gas prices, De Haan told The Epoch Times.
“I don’t think Americans are at the point yet where they’re willing to change their behavior,” he said.
Moreover, he said many commercial truck drivers likely would balk at a national 55 mph speed limit given their tight delivery schedules amid driver shortages.
“Certainly, if there’s a lower speed limit or reduced speed limit for truckers, it would hinder their ability to haul loads as quickly and efficiently,” De Haan said.
GasBuddy also found that people who speed or drive aggressively can expect to pay an extra $477 per year in gas. The United States Department of Energy reports that for every 5 mph over 50 mph, it’s like paying 16 cents extra for a gallon of gas.
Junk In The Trunk
Gross said there are a number of things people can do to increase their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.One is to consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle. This generally results in lower fuel costs and better mileage and is good for the environment.
“If you want to get rid of the pain at the pump, you can get rid of the pump,” he said.
Another is to get rid of any “junk in the trunk,” which can weigh vehicles down and lower fuel efficiency and mileage.
Drivers should also avoid making “jackrabbit” starts and stops, which uses more gas. They should also make sure the tires are properly inflated so as to lessen friction between the rubber and the road, and increase mileage.
Gross also advises not to put off until tomorrow what your car needs today if the goal is fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity.
A car is “an expensive investment,“ Gross said. ”The one thing we recommend against is ignoring the problem so that it doesn’t become a bigger problem.”
