Prove us wrong! This category invites thoughtful, well written arguments against a national speed limit. Opposition, please submit your articles to aztc at drive55.org - well written articles or studies, with references and permission, will be published. Following is the opposition's argument so far.
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Tuesday, 18 September 2007 |
Brian Williammee writes:
Sure, we'd save some gas if everyone drove 55. But every 100 miles driven at 55 instead of 75 means another 29 minutes on the road. That time has a real cost- decreased productivity, leading to lower national income, and thus lower person income surplus and lower tax revenue, all resulting in less money available to work on things like renewable energy or to purchase marginally more expensive and more eco-friendly products.
If that extra time isn't spent on work, then it's taken out of leisure time, something many people are sorely lacking to begin with, which itself contributes to lost productivity based on mental health issues and general stress.
If you really want to prove that your thesis would improve the environment, you ought to conduct a complete cost-benefit analysis including these factors, rather than pointing to a single chart and referring ambiguously to lots of "studies."
Furthermore, fuel economy for a GTI is not at all representative of the broader spectrum of optimal speeds for gas mileage on different vehicles. A 2002 corvette with a manual transmission gets about 2 mpg *more* at 75 than 55, due to a low-geared 6th speed. This affect may be observed on any car, whether exotic or economy oriented, that has a low-ratio top gear and a low coefficient of aerodynamic drag. Nevermind that the chart is either misleading or incorrect- any chart that states a GTI can get 90 mpg at any speed (the blue line in the graph at 35 mph) needs a reality check.
I like that you want to save the earth. I'm all for it, especially given that I don't see overt calls on your site to re-legislate the national 55 mph speed limit. But please don't go about attempting a green existence with your eyes closed.
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