Since Congress repealed the national speed limit law in 1995, 32 states have raised speed limits to 70 mph or higher on some portion of their highway systems, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With gas prices spiraling out of control, however, a return to slower speeds could be just what the average motorist needs to save a few dollars at the pump.
Modern vehicles are designed to be most fuel efficient at speeds between 30 and 60 mph. Efficiency can drop sharply at speeds above 65 mph, as engines fight to overcome the effects of roadway friction and wind resistance, which rises exponentially. Based on current traffic volumes, slowing to 60 mph from 70 mph would likely cut gasoline consumption by 2 to 3 percent. More importantly, that reduction in demand would translate to a considerably larger price reduction—perhaps as much as 10 percent.
Meanwhile, slowing down can also save lives. Stopping time/distance and the force of impact vary exponentially with speed (e.g., stopping time/distance nearly quadruples when speeds are doubled). A little extra stopping time/distance could mean the difference between a near miss and a collision. And, should you have the misfortune to strike something with your vehicle, the damage incurred will be appreciably less at lower speeds.
Encourage your students to slow down, save gas, and be safe!
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