Setting a National Speed Limit to Save Gas

[ItsStetch]

Taken from cnn.com
An influential Republican senator suggested Thursday that Congress might want to consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gasoline and possibly ease fuel prices.

Sen. John Warner, R-Virginia, asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to look into what speed limit would provide optimum gasoline efficiency given current technology. He said he wants to know if the administration might support efforts in Congress to require a lower speed limit.

Congress in 1974 set a national 55 mph speed limit because of energy shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo. The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline cost $1.10 a gallon.

As motorists headed on trips for this Fourth of July weekend, gasoline averaged $4.10 a gallon nationwide, with oil hovering around $145 a barrel.

Warner cited studies that showed the 55 mph speed limit saved 167,000 barrels of oil a day, or 2 percent of the country's highway fuel consumption, while avoiding up to 4,000 traffic deaths a year.

"Given the significant increase in the number of vehicles on America's highway system from 1974 to 2008, one could assume that the amount of fuel that could be conserved today is far greater," Warner wrote Bodman.

Warner asked the department to determine at what speeds vehicles would be most fuel efficient, how much fuel savings would be achieved, and whether it would be reasonable to assume there would be a reduction in prices at the pump if the speed limit were lowered.

Energy Department spokeswoman Angela Hill said the department will review Warner's letter but added, "If Congress is serious about addressing gasoline prices, they must take action on expanding domestic oil and natural gas production."

The department's Web site says that fuel efficiency decreases rapidly when traveling faster than 60 mph. Every additional 5 mph over that threshold is estimated to cost motorists "essentially an additional 30 cents per gallon in fuel costs," Warner said in his letter, citing the DOE data.

Just saw this on cnn and it made me think are people really going to follow this if it comes into effect? I know personally I have a hard time say on the PA turnpike where if changes from 65 mph to 55 mph going slower I still usually travel 65 or 70 along those parts.

[HickRocket1258]

I actually go 55mph on the highway often because I have actually noticed a difference in gas mileage. I think it is true that 55 is more efficient.

[CleanNeon98]

thats stupid...just dig locally, instead they are going to **** the population further

This is what happens when people obey speed limits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuM2AfJ4fmc

[BlackTypeR]

This is what happens when people obey speed limits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuM2AfJ4fmc


No, that's what happens when only a few people obey the speed limit. If everybody was doing the same speed as the people in front of the pack, they would be spread out like normal. They would just be going slower.

I agree it's stupid though, because people arent going to change. Everybody is in too much of a hurry.

[Raven18940]

I actually go 55mph on the highway often because I have actually noticed a difference in gas mileage. I think it is true that 55 is more efficient.

You don't have to think, it's been proven time and again that 55 is the most aerodynamically efficient speed. I travel at 60 as a compromise between the 55 limit and the 65-70 speed everyone seems to travel at.

[cburwell]

thats stupid...just dig locally, instead they are going to **** the population further

This is what happens when people obey speed limits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuM2AfJ4fmc

That also has to do with lane etiquette. Not everyone is going to drive the speed limit, but those who are traveling at the limit should not be doing so in the passing lane.

Those people in the video are idiots. Anyone with half a brain can tell you what's going to happen when you have a wall of cars spanning across the whole highway. I'm glad they felt the need to make a "documentary" to prove a simple fact.

[russiankid]

It may be stupid, but at least they are trying to help with the gas prices. I usually travel at 65mph because my tires suck and they vibrate at 60mph.

[97TurboDSM]

you know how they could help with gas prices? lower them.

[eurotrashed]

I was on I78 and there were two younger kids driving driving 55 right beside each other. I was going to murder them. We hit construction, they had to get over, they got passed on the right, they got the finger and they just thought it was hilarious. I would not mess with people like that on the highway, piss someone off so much and they shoot you. I don't know if they were trying to "prove the point" of doing the speedlimit, but what they were doing was illegal anyway cause you cant just sit in the passing lane. I was about to call the police on them until we got around them

[Loki240SX]

The only thing that would change is cops handing out more speeding tickets, so at least it'd generate more revenue? All these gas saving policies just sound the same to me. "You got cancer? That sucks. Take these laxatives and skittles, they might help."

This all depends largely on the individual, and the individual (here at least) is an idiot. I couldn't care less what gas does. I drive a car I absolutely LOVE and put $25 of premium in once a week and it more than lasts me in going to/from work five days a week. Cut excessive driving and drive a four banger you whiners.

thats stupid...just dig locally, instead they are going to **** the population further
Yeah, that would really help to an extent. Ten years ago. Go ahead and start off shore drilling or scrape some off the bottom of cows in Dakota, we won't see any effect of that for many years.


you know how they could help with gas prices? lower them.
Oh god, too many things wrong there...

[Oakes]

I could swear that we vote some of the dumbest people into our nation's government. For a bunch of reasons, nationally imposing the speed limit will be JUST as effect as the current speed limits, people still wont obey them. If they can't obey the speed limits the way they are in the first place, what is the difference if it's "nationally imposed"? NOTHING.

Also, not every car gets its optimum gas mileage at 55, granted a wide variety of cars may. For example, I was understood that the new Corvette gets its optimal fuel economy traveling in or around 80 mph. Im sure the same could be true for many other cars at different speed ratings, etc.

I seriously wish this congress man would quit wasting his time on this issue already, because we all will pay in tax dollars that we would be "saving" for the gas, in sponsoring the replacement and creation of all current speed limit signs. It would only generate revenue for the police. He instead should be worrying about how to bring gas prices down, or boost the economy.

Like Loki said, people need to cut down on the BS trips they make. People need to do theyre errands in one trip, instead of go to the store, come home, go get your nails done, come home, go get your other stuff, come home, go get your friends, come home. I have been planning my trips to make one single loop and THEN come home, not only does it save gas, its easier on the car itself.

[Kevin]

I saw this on TV today.




Useless. Fix our economy you money sucking leeches! Inflation is healthy at 2-3% per year. Most food items are from 8% to 30% in the past year! :eek:

[97TurboDSM]

Oh god, too many things wrong there...

that was a joke numbnuts. i dont really give a **** what the gas prices are. we have to drive anyway so whatever. go **** yourself

[Kevin]

that was a joke numbnuts. i dont really give a **** what the gas prices are. we have to drive anyway so whatever. go **** yourself

hahahahahahahahahahaha

[blackvr4]

something to think about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEsEvb1WsIY

all these stupid "policies" just seem like ways for the government to get more money by handing out more speeding tickets, period.

[ItsStetch]

i honestly feel that the government should release a statement saying that going 55 is what is considered best millage per gas ratio but not make anyone who feels any different or wants to travel at say 65 do any different. also the government should stop speculating what gas prices will be and consider what they are and charge that. God gas sucks and if things keep rising like they do there are gonna be big changes in the automotive industry.

[WTRacing]

here take sime time and watch this http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3340274697167011147&q=lindsey+williams&ei=TRhvSPrcKZCKrwKH1aCKDw

[ItsStetch]

here take sime time and watch this http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3340274697167011147&q=lindsey+williams&ei=TRhvSPrcKZCKrwKH1aCKDw

yea but is the US government ever gonna crack that open and let it benefit us the people? Everyone running this **** is too concerned about making them self more money.

[WTRacing]

yea but is the US government ever gonna crack that open and let it benefit us the people? Everyone running this **** is too concerned about making them self more money.


doubt it but all we can do is push to get them to drill off shore we need to beat china to the punch. also the more people that know the truth maybe it will help

[Proven]

THE BUSINESS PLAN

ALLOW an attack on the US. The Government has stopped 100's of attacks on the US. They just LET the wrong one threw. Bush knew dam well it was going to happen.

WHY let terrorist attack? To gain the following of the US people to attack Iraq and control their Oil. (Without us waving flags and holding our chests out like fking idiots it would be alot harder to start a war).. call it public relations. (Bushes Father tried the same thing.. remember Desert Storm?)

Why Iraq? There are other countries with oil? Because Iraq has small groups that hate the way American government wants to control the world. These small groups can make enough money to fight back with oil money. Lets call them terrorist for hating us because we think their resources should be given to us. Lets attack them so that they can’t become us. (One Business putting another out of Business)

Why are gas prices so high? To pay for the bill from the war dummy (its like that friend who runs to the bathroom when the waiter comes with the bill)

Why not use the Alaskan Oil like mentioned above? Because once we use that up we will become helpless and have to rely on other Countries for their Oil. Sooooo lets use theirs first so they can rely on us.

55mph speed limit saves gas and is more efficient.. I’m sure it’s true! "I have an idea" Enforce it in a way the Americans think we are trying to help. Naturally most won't obey and we can ticket them and make a sh** load of money. AND back it up with a news story how we are adding Police forces to protect them (not to just pull over more people for more taxing <tickets).. It’s fking bull sh**. Why not just let us know about it, and let us the people paying for gas decide whether or not to drive 55. I know why.. Because there’s money to be made.

Vote Democrat

[Loki240SX]

that was a joke numbnuts. i dont really give a **** what the gas prices are. we have to drive anyway so whatever. go **** yourselfWoah, woah, back off Magilla. How was I supposed to know that with the deadpan writing style?

[Scapegoat]

THE BUSINESS PLAN

ALLOW an attack on the US. The Government has stopped 100's of attacks on the US. They just LET the wrong one threw. Bush knew dam well it was going to happen.

WHY let terrorist attack? To gain the following of the US people to attack Iraq and control their Oil. (Without us waving flags and holding our chests out like fking idiots it would be alot harder to start a war).. call it public relations. (Bushes Father tried the same thing.. remember Desert Storm?)


this war was bound to happen sooner or later. More than likely it would have been shortly after Saddam's "natural" death when his two piece of **** children started a war... either between themselves or neighboring countries...

The world is better off with those three in the ground.

Maybe I'm naive... but I refuse to believe that the government allowed terrorists to fly jets into those buildings... did they know there may be an attack brewing... certainly possible...

But I'm sure no one was sitting around a table and said "ya know... lets let one of these attacks happen and have a few thousand americans killed so we can rally the public around going to war!"


Why Iraq? There are other countries with oil? Because Iraq has small groups that hate the way American government wants to control the world. These small groups can make enough money to fight back with oil money. Lets call them terrorist for hating us because we think their resources should be given to us. Lets attack them so that they can’t become us. (One Business putting another out of Business)

Why are gas prices so high? To pay for the bill from the war dummy (its like that friend who runs to the bathroom when the waiter comes with the bill)


riiight... you realize gas prices are going up around the world, not only due to increased demand (especially from China), but because of speculators (who just happen to be apart of the oil companies or have huge stock in the companies).

The us government isn't setting the price of barrels of oil, nor are they setting the price at the station. The government itself really isn't getting the money... those in the government are however... and putting it in their personal accounts.

The government would be in incredible shape if that money was going into it...


Why not use the Alaskan Oil like mentioned above? Because once we use that up we will become helpless and have to rely on other Countries for their Oil. Sooooo lets use theirs first so they can rely on us.


uh... no...

there isn't enough oil in Alaska to support other countries... i think they said something like 20 years for the US alone... you bring other countries into that mix and you're looking at 1-2 years tops.

Not only that, its not a good enough excuse to destroy the Alaskan wilderness. I'd rather ride a bicycle to work than have that happen.


55mph speed limit saves gas and is more efficient.. I’m sure it’s true! "I have an idea" Enforce it in a way the Americans think we are trying to help. Naturally most won't obey and we can ticket them and make a sh** load of money. AND back it up with a news story how we are adding Police forces to protect them (not to just pull over more people for more taxing <tickets).. It’s fking bull sh**. Why not just let us know about it, and let us the people paying for gas decide whether or not to drive 55. I know why.. Because there’s money to be made.


Its been proven that 55mph is more efficient, according to others anyway... I'd like to see the proof.

Don't want a ticket? don't break the speed limit... sounds easy enough to me.


Vote Democrat

yeah... you are naive... you think any political group is going to make a difference? republican or democrat... they're all the same.

[garrettej8]

here take sime time and watch this http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3340274697167011147&q=lindsey+williams&ei=TRhvSPrcKZCKrwKH1aCKDw

good stuff :thumbup:

[Proven]

this war was bound to happen sooner or later. More than likely it would have been shortly after Saddam's "natural" death when his two piece of **** children started a war... either between themselves or neighboring countries...

The world is better off with those three in the ground.

Maybe I'm naive... but I refuse to believe that the government allowed terrorists to fly jets into those buildings... did they know there may be an attack brewing... certainly possible...

But I'm sure no one was sitting around a table and said "ya know... lets let one of these attacks happen and have a few thousand americans killed so we can rally the public around going to war!"



riiight... you realize gas prices are going up around the world, not only due to increased demand (especially from China), but because of speculators (who just happen to be apart of the oil companies or have huge stock in the companies).

The us government isn't setting the price of barrels of oil, nor are they setting the price at the station. The government itself really isn't getting the money... those in the government are however... and putting it in their personal accounts.

The government would be in incredible shape if that money was going into it...



uh... no...

there isn't enough oil in Alaska to support other countries... i think they said something like 20 years for the US alone... you bring other countries into that mix and you're looking at 1-2 years tops.

Not only that, its not a good enough excuse to destroy the Alaskan wilderness. I'd rather ride a bicycle to work than have that happen.



Its been proven that 55mph is more efficient, according to others anyway... I'd like to see the proof.

Don't want a ticket? don't break the speed limit... sounds easy enough to me.



yeah... you are naive... you think any political group is going to make a difference? republican or democrat... they're all the same.

-Like I mentioned I doubt the US Gov. planned on 911 being as bad as it was. They were prob. expecting just another world trade bombing. I THINK they only expected a small number of deaths (remember when i wrote "they just let the wrong one threw")

-From what I understand gas prices are going up from increased pressure from investors. Investors are being told there’s a shortage from their "friends". Bush is an investor! So is his dad. Gas prices go up and the taxed amount goes up hence more money for the government. Bush is a stupid fu** but he knows how to make money at any cost (business plan)

-Uh..... yes. it was mentioned there’s about 200 years of oil in Alaska. My point wasn’t to straight sell or share it with other countries. It was to bring them to their knees with us being the last with oil. "Use theirs up first"

-Don't want a ticket.. Don’t speed.. How did you figure that out??? Harvard? Yes of COURSE that’s the obvious answer but the fact is no one will listen as they do now.. do you go the limit? NO one does. Making the limit lower will increase the amount of tickets handed out no matter how clever the answer to not getting tickets is.

-Republican - Democrat.. It does make a difference but yes; In the long run they are both just business men/women. It just all comes down to who profits from it being the already rich, or the masses.

[ItsStetch]

Ah I just love where this country is headed.

[Cutlass372]

Idk about you guys but... http://youtube.com/watch?v=N_QmludKu1g&feature=related.

Sorry... It just fit too well. Song and vid are pretty lame though lol.

[dragonfly2k3]

the most obvious problem is speculators, hopefully legislation against them gets passed. Also, on the speed limit thing, i do the limit because the roads in PA are so bad that at 65 i scrape on every little bump.

[Oakes]

the most obvious problem is speculators, hopefully legislation against them gets passed. Also, on the speed limit thing, i do the limit because the roads in PA are so bad that at 65 i scrape on every little bump.

yeah, i agree the roads SUCK here, which would be nice to pay attention to. Thats another issue though.

Like said, this is a retared proposition to crack down on speeding, its just a revenue generator.

[timp]

I honestly don't even think I ever look at speed limit signs. I watch my speedo and decide for myself what the normal/safe speed should be... if I see a cop, then I'll slow down and look at the speedo and realize that I was actually doing right around the speed limit anyway.

yeah! high gas prices! lets make the citizens suffer more!

how about this... they set speed limits based on what kind of car you drive... fuel efficient cars like civics and toyotas and whatever can drive 55 but people who drive gigantic SUVs (Hummers etc.) can only go 5mph. the problem would take care of itself.

[ItsStetch]

I honestly don't even think I ever look at speed limit signs. I watch my speedo and decide for myself what the normal/safe speed should be... if I see a cop, then I'll slow down and look at the speedo and realize that I was actually doing right around the speed limit anyway.

Thats exactly what I do, just do basically what everyone is traveling on the road. As long as I am not going the fastest out of everyone I feel like I'm doing the right speed.

[sherwood]

its not gonna work...but i usually cruise at like 65 or so.

[Hando567]

i personally have found that i get my best gas mileage somewhere around 65 or so. it all really depends on the car.

[FocusDude]

This is the same idea as placing the non-smoking section next to a smoking section, separating the two by a couple feet and a piece of half inch glass and claiming it will solve the initial problems. While we try and piss our money away trying to save the universe because, I guess we have just become "that bored." The western world is destroying and ****ting all over our precious mother earth. Look at global wind paths, it all comes around. No matter how much we try to follow Al Gore's agenda, we are just one small ant hill in this matrix.

[05suby]

no matter what people wont follow the new limit and still cruise around 70-75mph.

[Turborico1979]

The best thing to help you save gas even @ 100mph is your cruise control......

[180sxDrifter]

my mom drives 75mph everyday on the highway and still gets about 450-500 miles to her tank, she just sets her car on cruise control for most of the ride to and from work

[ItsStetch]

yea this is just a was for the government to generate more revenue

[05suby]

yea this is just a was for the government to generate more revenue

i agree. drop the limit so now 70-75 would now be a higher fine because its 15-20 over.

[Kevin]

I went 70-80mph all the way home from the Jersey shore today on the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway. Got home from Wildwood Crest in 1hr 30mins.

People were passing me! :bigeek:

Didn't see a single cop, just a bunch of people that drive like maniacs. Just thought I'd share.

[ItsStetch]

i agree. drop the limit so now 70-75 would now be a higher fine because its 15-20 over.
wow didnt know that

[Stillen GLE]

All I know is something better happen in this Next Election and the main focus better be on gas. we dont need another Crisis like we did back in the early 1920's we dont need the stock market to crash. evreyone is saying that gas is gonna get up to $9-$10 dollars a gallon by 2010-2011.

[Kevin]

All I know is something better happen in this Next Election and the main focus better be on gas. we dont need another Crisis like we did back in the early 1920's we dont need the stock market to crash. evreyone is saying that gas is gonna get up to $9-$10 dollars a gallon by 2010-2011.

Think of how good America was a before 9/11. That attack ****ed this country all the way till now and probably for another 10 years. It sucks.

[ItsStetch]

Think of how good America was a before 9/11. That attack ****ed this country all the way till now and probably for another 10 years. It sucks.
Yea but they didnt attack us for no reason. Not saying what they did was anyway right but we kind of got ourself into this situation.

[Stillen GLE]

When 9-11 Happen Gas prices went to like .80 it dropped like crazy. and it was crazy how America stood as one. its amazing how everyone went back to there sides. People Treat The Political Parties as if it were a religion. And if you ask me it shouldnt be like that.

[Oakes]

When 9-11 Happen Gas prices went to like .80 it dropped like crazy. and it was crazy how America stood as one. its amazing how everyone went back to there sides. People Treat The Political Parties as if it were a religion. And if you ask me it shouldnt be like that.

exactly, by the country investing themselves into the political parties, we allow them to become the money sucking bastards they are. That is what occured, which is why we rest where we are now. Politicians have pocketed way too much on our behalf, it needs to end.

[Vypurr]

No radical change ever came from existing political parties. Historically it has only occurred when a new party steps in with new ideas and support behind them...And guess what, there are no new parties this year, just 1 old candidate, and one deceivingly young one.

[Scapegoat]

Yea but they didnt attack us for no reason. Not saying what they did was anyway right but we kind of got ourself into this situation.

there is nothing we did to push a bunch of ****ing irrational qu'ran reading, murdering, piece of **** radicals into flying airliners into NYC

There may be a TON of misconceptions between us and them... but there is nothing that we did to encourage this OTHER than pushing for the freedom of man and woman from tyrannical, sadistic, iron-fisted, torturous rule.

Every country not ruled by a communist dictatorship or some other forced government realizes that the entire middle east regimes are a bunch of ****ed up retards.

They attacked us for a reason... but no good, logical, one...

[Uberu]

When 9-11 Happen Gas prices went to like .80 it dropped like crazy. and it was crazy how America stood as one. its amazing how everyone went back to there sides. People Treat The Political Parties as if it were a religion. And if you ask me it shouldnt be like that.

That was one of the better statements i have heard regarding political parties

[MissDSM]

I think it'd be smart to lower it. Maybe if the US saved 167,000 barrels of oil a day by doing this the price of gas might sink down a tad. No matter what they change it to it doesn't really matter to me since the majority of the hwy's in DE are already 55. Premium is hurtin my wallet, but to be honest, i'll probably still keep driving my usual 70mph-ish down 95 everyday to work.

[Vypurr]

I don't even drive on the highways unless I am going to school, but thats only like once or twice every few months. Not needing a car FTW. Ride a bike if you can.

[ItsStetch]

there is nothing we did to push a bunch of ****ing irrational qu'ran reading, murdering, piece of **** radicals into flying airliners into NYC

There may be a TON of misconceptions between us and them... but there is nothing that we did to encourage this OTHER than pushing for the freedom of man and woman from tyrannical, sadistic, iron-fisted, torturous rule.

Every country not ruled by a communist dictatorship or some other forced government realizes that the entire middle east regimes are a bunch of ****ed up retards.

They attacked us for a reason... but no good, logical, one...
I was trying to sound as if they where right. I was just bringing up the last statement you said about it being for a reason but not a good one.

exactly, by the country investing themselves into the political parties, we allow them to become the money sucking bastards they are. That is what occured, which is why we rest where we are now. Politicians have pocketed way too much on our behalf, it needs to end.
People think now-a-days about how they can make themselves personally more money not bettering themselves.
When 9-11 Happen Gas prices went to like .80 it dropped like crazy. and it was crazy how America stood as one. its amazing how everyone went back to there sides. People Treat The Political Parties as if it were a religion. And if you ask me it shouldnt be like that.
Its funny how the political parties are run, but this is a country built on unity and being free.

[Kevin]

Its funny how the political parties are run, but this is a country built on unity and being free.

This countries a piece of **** lol













"Until" it gets fixed.

[Stillen GLE]

I was trying to sound as if they where right. I was just bringing up the last statement you said about it being for a reason but not a good one.


People think now-a-days about how they can make themselves personally more money not bettering themselves.

Its funny how the political parties are run, but this is a country built on unity and being free.

Define being free! If that were the case we'd be able to say whatever we wanted where we wanted. example a white person calling a African American a Racial Slurr! you get in a hell of alot more trouble then a African American saying a Racist slur to a White person. if you ask me laws are what take away freedom no matter how you look at it. but the country would be in complete Chaos if we didnt have laws. i will a Agree our judicial system is pretty f*ck up iam not gonna lie with how easy people get away with things these days.

[Kevin]

Define being free! If that were the case we'd be able to say whatever we wanted where we wanted. example a white person calling a African American a Racial Slurr! you get in a hell of alot more trouble then a African American saying a Racist slur to a White person. if you ask me laws are what take away freedom no matter how you look at it. but the country would be in complete Chaos if we didnt have laws. i will a Agree our judicial system is pretty f*ck up iam not gonna lie with how easy people get away with things these days.

And being able to sue anybody for anything lol

[Stillen GLE]

And being able to sue anybody for anything lol

exactly just about.

[ItsStetch]

Define being free! If that were the case we'd be able to say whatever we wanted where we wanted. example a white person calling a African American a Racial Slurr! you get in a hell of alot more trouble then a African American saying a Racist slur to a White person. if you ask me laws are what take away freedom no matter how you look at it. but the country would be in complete Chaos if we didnt have laws. i will a Agree our judicial system is pretty f*ck up iam not gonna lie with how easy people get away with things these days.
Dont know why I threw in the free part, understand what your saying, but what I am trying to get out is this unity that were taught is what this country is founded on yet no matter where you look one person is competing against another to get further ahead in life. It just all sucks because no matter what is going on in this country it can always be traced back to those is power and what they want to do.

[Stillen GLE]

Dont know why I threw in the free part, understand what your saying, but what I am trying to get out is this unity that were taught is what this country is founded on yet no matter where you look one person is competing against another to get further ahead in life. It just all sucks because no matter what is going on in this country it can always be traced back to those is power and what they want to do.

that is 100% true. but what I am saying this country shouldn't be two sided.

[ItsStetch]

that is 100% true. but what I am saying this country shouldn't be two sided.
I know it shouldnt.

[Stillen GLE]

All i know is,that Iam Voting McCain, To many young adults are kissing obama's ass and they dont get half of what he's saying they think all he's african american/muslim he's young. if you ask me 95% of time when both parties due there Campeign their only trying to convince the people that the two parties who they think is better. "quota" they never do what they say there gonna do.

[russiankid]

This is also another reason I love my old car. It is payed off, so just pay insurance and gas. I also get 37mpg highway so it doesn't hurt me much. Takes about $40 to fill a whole tank.

[DC2.2GSR]

Think of how good America was a before 9/11. That attack ****ed this country all the way till now and probably for another 10 years. It sucks.

how good it was??? hahaha. the U.S. is the same old garbage it has been for the past 50+ years. the only difference is that now we've found another minority group to hate and to blame everything on. know why it is the same?? this guy said it the best:
No radical change ever came from existing political parties. Historically it has only occurred when a new party steps in with new ideas and support behind them...And guess what, there are no new parties this year, just 1 old candidate, and one deceivingly young one.

there are no changes, there is no advancement of our society, there is only regression. Obama isn't different, he just looks different. he's still a dirty politician like the rest of them. McCain?? haha look at him and listen to his ignorant rambling and spinning. he's the same thing we've had in Bush for the last 8 years. they all have their own agendas and plans that most likely won't benefit any of the rest of us. either way the president doesn't do much. he's a distraction. he's there to show up at events and shake hands for photo ops... not much else. anyone who thinks that in 2008+, the US president actually does his job like the constitution meant for him to is blind/deaf. Bush only **thinks** he's "the decider". :roll:

speed limit changes to help fight gas price?? GTFO. it's just one more distraction. instead of changing the speed limit maybe they should put a little more effort into fixing the problem instead of putting a band-aid on it.

[Kevin]

how good it was??? hahaha. the U.S. is the same old garbage it has been for the past 50+ years. the only difference is that now we've found another minority group to hate and to blame everything on. know why it is the same?? this guy said it the best

Is the economy better now or 10 years ago? :confused:

[The Captain]

I heart America, but all this BS has to change. How? IDK, but it needs to happen. Start a TST political party, anyone? I'd say vote Troll as our nomination, but I'm not sure if America is ready for a ruler with an Iron fist.

[DC2.2GSR]

I heart America, but all this BS has to change. How? IDK, but it needs to happen. Start a TST political party, anyone? I'd say vote Troll as our nomination, but I'm not sure if America is ready for a ruler with an Iron fist.

haha, i agree. i don't think america's ready.

Is the economy better now or 10 years ago? :confused:

i didn't realize you were only talking about the economy. you just said 'think of how good it was before 9/11.' the economy is a separate beast, yes it was better 10 years ago, but as forthe general state of things and how the govt. works, it's the same crap. i guess i was referring a little more to vypurr's post about how govt. won't change by electing anyone different this year.

[Vypurr]

For anything to happen, a normal person would need to run...Not win, just run and collect enough votes to get noticed. And by normal person I mean someone in the sub-millionaire range. IF that were to happen, the rich politicians would have to take notice and fear their ability to change becuase they have a unique perspective. That is essentially how Obama is trying to make himself look right now.

[Kevin]

For anything to happen, a normal person would need to run...Not win, just run and collect enough votes to get noticed. And by normal person I mean someone in the sub-millionaire range. IF that were to happen, the rich politicians would have to take notice and fear their ability to change becuase they have a unique perspective. That is essentially how Obama is trying to make himself look right now.

haha yea I laugh at those commercials. If you run for president, you have plenty of money. Sorry!

[Stillen GLE]

This Country should not have 2 political parties.

[The Captain]

This Country should not have 2 political parties.

exactly how I feel, but the allegiances to the parties are so strong, I don't know if those biases could ever be changed. At least not without something substantial happening.

[Stillen GLE]

exactly how I feel, but the allegiances to the parties are so strong, I don't know if those biases could ever be changed. At least not without something substantial happening.

Another thing i dont get is that people have no problem cutting down trees to build houses but when it comes to something this country needs like gas all hell breaks lose. we have enough oil down there to last us another 5 decades if not more. last time i checked you have to dig into the ground to build a basement down ya. why not dig deeper for oil.

[The Captain]

Another thing i dont get is that people have no problem cutting down trees to build houses but when it comes to something this country needs like gas all hell breaks lose. we have enough oil down there to last us another 5 decades if not more.

Think about it. Oil, right now, determines power. The middle east has so much power because of a limited resource, which WILL run out. When it does run out, who will have the power? Enter USA con its reserves. Middle east crumbles without the economy-backing resource and the US returns to dominance.

[Stillen GLE]

Think about it. Oil, right now, determines power. The middle east has so much power because of a limited resource, which WILL run out. When it does run out, who will have the power? Enter USA con its reserves. Middle east crumbles without the economy-backing resource and the US returns to dominance.

why should we depend on another country to supply us something? does this country make anything for themselves anymore? For Christ sake some American cars aren't even made in america anymore.

[The Captain]

why should we depend on another country to supply us something? does this country make anything for themselves anymore? For Christ sake some American cars aren't even made in america anymore.

In a world of global commerce, self sufficiency is practically unheard of. Sure, things may be made in other countries, but they are sold here in the US, keeping our economy semi-stable. Sure, outsourcing sucks, but it's inevitable. A capitalist economy strives off of greed and profit, and no better way to make that happen than with cheap foreign workers. Yes, the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer, but find me one time in history where this doesnt happen. It's very tough to have a capitalist economy and equality for all.

[Stillen GLE]

In a world of global commerce, self sufficiency is practically unheard of. Sure, things may be made in other countries, but they are sold here in the US, keeping our economy semi-stable. Sure, outsourcing sucks, but it's inevitable. A capitalist economy strives off of greed and profit, and no better way to make that happen than with cheap foreign workers. Yes, the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer, but find me one time in history where this doesnt happen. It's very tough to have a capitalist economy and equality for all.

True. But there are somethings they we can do and make that dont need outside sources if we have to build more plants and hire more workers. but we shouldnt have to rely on another country for oil when we have it litteraly under our feet. were to lazy to refine it ourselves

[The Captain]

but we shouldnt have to rely on another country for oil when we have it litteraly under our feet. were to lazy to refine it ourselves

It could be lazyness, however, i doubt it. IMO, it's part of a long term strategy. I could be completely wrong, but if it were true, the pain we're feeling at the pumps now would be more than worth it when we have a stronghold on oil. Our economy would erupt and that little thing called our trillion dollar debt would go away in a few years.

[Stillen GLE]

It could be lazyness, however, i doubt it. IMO, it's part of a long term strategy. I could be completely wrong, but if it were true, the pain we're feeling at the pumps now would be more than worth it when we have a stronghold on oil. Our economy would erupt and that little thing called our trillion dollar debt would go away in a few years.

i dont see us getting out of debt anytime soon.

[The Captain]

i dont see us getting out of debt anytime soon.

At the current rate with wars, tax breaks, and anti-recession actions, neither do I.

[KingOfDelco]

haha. if the gov REALLy cared about affecting a change, they would BAN V8s in production cars....

In the long term, its the size (capacity to consume fuel) of the engine that impacts fuel economy, not how fast you are going.

eg. Two people in the exact same car, one traveling at 65 one at 55 are basically using the same amount of fuel. Its inconsequential.

However, a Escalade doing 55 is burning WAY more than both.... thats the real issue.

Oh, that and all the diesel trucks both stateside and abroad. Increased industry in china/india has led to increased demand for diesel, which results in pricier barrels of oil.

[The Captain]

Oh, that and all the diesel trucks both stateside and abroad. Increased industry in china/india has led to increased demand for diesel, which results in pricier barrels of oil.

Do what with these trucks? Ban them?

[KingOfDelco]

Do what with these trucks? Ban them?

find a better way to regulate them; increase the tax on the company (thats making mega-bucks) to put some of the money they burn back into the system.

[Kevin]

Have you ever heard about the "Gas Guzzelers Tax"? lol wake up

But I think that's only on V-10's above? I'm not sure. But they could lower the tax to 8 cyl. that are used for leisure. Still wouldn't do **** lol

[DC2.2GSR]

they already have imposed gas guzzler tax on basically everything high performance oriented as well as the big SUV's. it was kind of funny reading the window stickers at the Porsche dealership where i used to work. :roll:

although i do agree with the basic idea of regulating V8+ vehicles and unnecessarily wasteful diesel vehicles, it's not very likely that it will happen. this is America. we like BIG. big houses, big eating, big vehicles, big motors in those vehicles, and to sum it all up... BIG everything. Americans will not take kindly to their V8 engines being regulated more or even worse, taken away. look at one of America's most popular sports.. NASCAR. what happens if the stock cars at the dealership no longer have V8's.. their "stock car" counterparts on the track can't run. sport is dead. a whole industry disappears.

[The Captain]

NASCAR. what happens if the stock cars at the dealership no longer have V8's.. their "stock car" counterparts on the track can't run. sport is dead. a whole industry disappears.

Then we need to in act this ASAP!

[KingOfDelco]

Auto industry in general is tanking... just read GM's stock is like $10.25/share.... it was around $40.xx within the last year... :0

There is so much lobbying pressure from both the oil industry and the auto manufacturers NOT to rock the boat (and make any effectual changes) that nothing will ever happen until we use up the last drop of oil in the world.... THEN we will start to collectively care about these issues and start to do something about them.

for example, you could take practically every big rig/tractor trailor/industrial truck/freight truck off the road right now... know how??? TRAINS. Its just that no one in a position of power will ever do anything to enact that. instead we'll just let those hundreds of tractor trailers you see on the Blue route every day keep on trucking, wasting fuel, causing accidents and traffic delays, etc...

U have any idea how much money it costs to clean up one of those big rigs every time they jackknife and dump their loads??? I swear, 6/10 accidents on highways directly involve big trucks being a-holes.

The problem is, our country is supposed to be "Free". There exists the ideal that "you can't tell me what kind of car I can drive....", and that has evolved into every 2-child family having an 8 passenger SUV that gets 8mpgs in the city. Just like the gun lobbyists who insist that the bill of rights gives them the right to have an arsenal of weapons on their person, people think the constitution gives them the right to burn as much fuel as they want.

Its time we get real and say "listen people, if we all just keep doing whatever we want....there won't be any oil left in 20 years...." durr.....

[Stillen GLE]

then id guess Nascar would have to switch over to 6 cylinders. the camry never had a V8 the biggest motor they had is a V6. theres nothing wrong with v6 racing. besides who knows if that would even effect nascar in anyway they have their ways around things.

[Rey The Great]

ehh..we need no speed limit on highways..if u wanna save gar, car pool or ride the bus.the point is, we gotta drive anyways. i cant see myself going 55 on a highway lol.

[KingOfDelco]

turbo 3 and 4 cyls is the wave of the future.

why have a V6-8 if you can make 300+ on a I4???

[Hando567]

lol, yeah camrys and fusions never had a V8 from the factory anyway, so that isnt true. But i do agree that most people will not willingly give up their big V8s

[KingOfDelco]

article about commercial trucks causing wrecks:


http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080721_ap_deadlytollssicktruckerscausingfatalwre cks.html

[Turbo s60R]

now im gonna stand on my hands and talk out of my ass for a min but my car seems to hit peak fuel efficency around 65mph in 6th gear rpm's sitting steady at 2500, i think transmission with more gears can severely affect fuel efficency only prob would be with auto transmissions constantly down shifting and up-shifting would prob get old after a while.

[DPancoast]

if they go back to 55, nothing will change. people will still fly and tickets will skyrocket, people will get pissed, and next thing you know, it will be raised back up slowly.

[TGilb2007]

Some stuff here I can semi-agree with, but it also sounds like a lot of people are clueless as to the gas price increase, as well as what can be done to resolve it.

This war on terrorism is NOT being funded by US dollars. Instead, it is being funded through various bonds, commodity trades, and loans from other governments. These are causing a HUGE decrease on the value of the American dollar, which is making it more expensive for US companies to purchase oil. This is also killing our government in the US as well, since we are now in the largest debt ever as a country.

Also, there has been an explosion of demand from both China and India for oil as well. With their currency having a higher value on the global economic scene, they are able to spend less money on more oil then we are.

Getting the oil from Alaska will also not have a huge impact (most likely), since we are still running out of a non-renewable resource. We have no idea how much oil is actually available in the Alaskan oil fields. It could be a drop, it could lead to billions of barrels, but who knows?

Personally, I am getting sick and tired of these insane gas prices, but there are TONS of things that need to get fixed on a global scale, not just here in the US. Getting some of the idiots out of office will help in the long run, but sadly, short term, we are all still eff'd in the a.

[KingOfDelco]

Some stuff here I can semi-agree with, but it also sounds like a lot of people are clueless as to the gas price increase, as well as what can be done to resolve it.

This war on terrorism is NOT being funded by US dollars. Instead, it is being funded through various bonds, commodity trades, and loans from other governments. These are causing a HUGE decrease on the value of the American dollar, which is making it more expensive for US companies to purchase oil. This is also killing our government in the US as well, since we are now in the largest debt ever as a country.

Also, there has been an explosion of demand from both China and India for oil as well. With their currency having a higher value on the global economic scene, they are able to spend less money on more oil then we are.

Getting the oil from Alaska will also not have a huge impact (most likely), since we are still running out of a non-renewable resource. We have no idea how much oil is actually available in the Alaskan oil fields. It could be a drop, it could lead to billions of barrels, but who knows?

Personally, I am getting sick and tired of these insane gas prices, but there are TONS of things that need to get fixed on a global scale, not just here in the US. Getting some of the idiots out of office will help in the long run, but sadly, short term, we are all still eff'd in the a.


well, i for one (not sure about you other doofuses, lol) was well aware of everything u just posted, but do me a solid and enlighten me as to the solution you speak of... :)

[poolmike]

Auto industry in general is tanking... just read GM's stock is like $10.25/share.... it was around $40.xx within the last year... :0

There is so much lobbying pressure from both the oil industry and the auto manufacturers NOT to rock the boat (and make any effectual changes) that nothing will ever happen until we use up the last drop of oil in the world.... THEN we will start to collectively care about these issues and start to do something about them.

for example, you could take practically every big rig/tractor trailor/industrial truck/freight truck off the road right now... know how??? TRAINS. Its just that no one in a position of power will ever do anything to enact that. instead we'll just let those hundreds of tractor trailers you see on the Blue route every day keep on trucking, wasting fuel, causing accidents and traffic delays, etc...

U have any idea how much money it costs to clean up one of those big rigs every time they jackknife and dump their loads??? I swear, 6/10 accidents on highways directly involve big trucks being a-holes.

The problem is, our country is supposed to be "Free". There exists the ideal that "you can't tell me what kind of car I can drive....", and that has evolved into every 2-child family having an 8 passenger SUV that gets 8mpgs in the city. Just like the gun lobbyists who insist that the bill of rights gives them the right to have an arsenal of weapons on their person, people think the constitution gives them the right to burn as much fuel as they want.

Its time we get real and say "listen people, if we all just keep doing whatever we want....there won't be any oil left in 20 years...." durr.....



Nice jab at those 'a-hole' truck drivers. 95% of the accidents involving trucks are caused by stupid drivers in their cars. I see it all day long. Unfortunately, the truck drivers get the blame from ignorant f'rs and stuck with the repair and clean up bills while the driver that really caused the mess is long gone. May I suggest to you the possibility of putting yourself in a rig sometime to enlighten yourself and join reality.

[KingOfDelco]

rigs are TOO BIG and DANGEROUS to be on the road with civics and other cars that could be CRUSHED if a trailer flips....

I'll make it simple:

Honda civic driver loses control/falls asleep/blows a tire........ minimal damage and casualties.

Big rig driver loses control/falls asleep/blows a tire..... catastrophic damage.

I'm not saying big rigs should be ILLEGAL, they should just be in a SEPARATE LANE on the hiway... think the Jersey turnpike where its divided for cars and trucks... y u think they do that?????? Not only would it save LIVEs, would also save fuel by not having commuters get stuck in traffic jams every time a rig overturns or crashes.

dude, on my commute up Blue route and PA turnpike everyday, I almost see MORE RIGS THAN CARS!!!!!!! They have taken advantage of a highway system not designed to accomdate that large number of COMMERCIAL (these guys get PAID to drive their trucks, commuters don't get paid to risk their lives driving to work on the highway everyday) trucks everyday.

And stop pulling stats out of thin air... u just made up that 95% figure.. while I actually post an article with DOCUMENTED FACTS....

[the4g63]

Where do you suggest these trucks go?

[poolmike]

The trucks also pay more taxes, and registration fees to maintain and use the highways. Maybe all the clowns in their pesky little cars should stay off the highways and stop causing the trucks to flip over. I'll say it again, put yourself in a rig just one time and you will understand what I am preaching. Until then, go back to school.

[KingOfDelco]

Exeter Township, PA - 17 year old boy is killed after he is sucked under the rear wheels of a tractor trailer while standing on the side of a towns main road, after leaving a restaurant.

They need to have their OWN separate, dedicated lanes. That way all those bad cars wont be able to cause them any more accidents. :thumbup:

[Vypurr]

Exeter Township, PA - 17 year old boy is killed after he is sucked under the rear wheels of a tractor trailer while standing on the side of a towns main road, after leaving a restaurant.

They need to have their OWN separate, dedicated lanes. That way all those bad cars wont be able to cause them any more accidents. :thumbup:

Post that link. Getting sucked into the wheels of a TT is not possible...

[Stillen GLE]

Post that link. Getting sucked into the wheels of a TT is not possible...

yea that was strange how he was just posting headlines:roll: like anyone gonna believe anything just from reading one line that says someone was killed by something, and not know the facts.

[poolmike]

Exeter Township, PA - 17 year old boy is killed after he is sucked under the rear wheels of a tractor trailer while standing on the side of a towns main road, after leaving a restaurant.

They need to have their OWN separate, dedicated lanes. That way all those bad cars wont be able to cause them any more accidents. :thumbup:


They don't need separate lanes....people need more common sense. I'll teach you a life lesson here- if you stand in the roadway you WILL get hit by a car/truck/bus/bicycle/whatever eventually. Some people blame the truck, I blame the person standing in front of it. The media didn't say whether the 17 year old was in a crosswalk, or did he just walk into the roadway. Like 'Purr says, it is impossible to get sucked under the tires of a moving truck. My experience says they push objects away.

My own observations from the crazy amounts of miles I drive in my busy season...I stumble upon average 2 accidents/week, always involving cars doing something totally stupid. Rarely do I see trucks involved, which is quite suprising due to the fact that they are constantly getting cut off by drivers with the common sense of dirt.

Anywho, back to the 55 speed limit, I think it is a great idea. Our roads were never designed for speed over 45. IF people actually followed the speed limit, the plan would work.

[the4g63]

Exeter Township, PA - 17 year old boy is killed after he is sucked under the rear wheels of a tractor trailer while standing on the side of a towns main road, after leaving a restaurant.

They need to have their OWN separate, dedicated lanes. That way all those bad cars wont be able to cause them any more accidents. :thumbup:

I call bs. He was probably way to close to the road if he got "sucked."

So what do you propose, massive infrastructure upgrades just for trucks? You wanna turn the Schuylkill Expressway into a 8 lane wide megahighway? With what land and money? That road would be ****ed for 10-20 years trying to improve it. And thats just one highway.

No. Stupid drivers just need to be taken off the roads. Truckers are some of the best drivers there are.

[TommyBDragon]

I wanna know what truckers you see. In the snow and rain they driver like utter nutjobs. Im sorry but up a route 115 in 5" of snow, there is no need to be up my ass when I am trying to do 40mph with no traction, just to keep from being run over. I used to drive down to DC, and on 81 in pouring rain, they fly by you at speeds just this side of ridiculous. I drive 80 from Blakeslee to marshalls creek everyday, and where it opens up to 3 lanes westbound, they like to swerve to get around eachother. The drive dangerously, not safely. I wish it was a rule, right lane only, no passing and strictly enforced speed limits on THEM.

[KingOfDelco]

Let me just clear this up- for all the geniuses who are quick to type, but don't like to read:

MY COMPANY HAS A FLEET OF 5 COMMERCIAL TRUCKS, 3 OF WHICH I CONSIDER "BIG". WE MAKE OUR BREAD AND BUTTER OFF RENTING THIS TRUCKS, DRIVING THEM ALL OVER THE TRI-STATE AREA, ETC... I MAINTAIN AND UPKEEP ALL OF OUR DOT DRIVERS CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE FORMS, ETC....

SO I KNOW A LITTLE BIT ABOUT COMMERCIAL TRUCKING, DRIVERS, SAFETY AND SUCH. I AM COMPLETELY UNBIASED, AND IN FACT, THE SUGGESTIONS I PROPOSE WOULD IMPACT MY COMPANY AS WELL.... HOWEVER I SEE IT AS BEING FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

I REPEAT, I WORK FOR A TRUCK COMPANY. IF ANYONE SHOULD BE AGAINST THE VERY PROPOSTIONS I AM MAKING, IT WOULD BE ME. I AM A REALIST HOWEVER, AND WILL NOT LET MY EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT TO MY COMPANY AND MY TRUCK-DRIVING FRIEND/CO-WORKERS AFFECT WHAT I KNOW IS A GOOD IDEA.

THANK YOU FOR PAYING ATTENTION THIS TIME.

ps. no, 76 is F'd beyond repair. they could certainly widen the blue route and portions of the turnpike and just construct a dedicated 1-lane "trucker lane". stop being such a conservative wuss and look outside the box. its people with your resistance to change attitudes that have us in the transportation predicament we are in now.

i bet you also think we should not be pursuing alternative fuels, because that would cost too much money, too.. right??? :D

[poolmike]

TommyB...never gets passed by a car doing 80 in the rain??? there are far more idiots in cars than trucks.

[KingOfDelco]

Poolmike- there are def more idiots in cars than trucks.....BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE TOTAL CARS ON THE ROAD THAN TRUCKS!!!!!! JEEZ. :D Its the RATIO or percentage that we're talking about here. Also, these highways were intended for COMMUTERS and TRAVELERS, not as a main thorofares for the commercial trucking business to make millions off of.

[Vypurr]

Ok guys...Stay on topic. I don't care what you do through PMs, but you need to stay on topic here.