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Senator Wants National Speed Limit To Conserve Gas

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Jul 6, 2008 8:26 am US/Mountain

Senator Wants National Speed Limit To Conserve Gas

Everyone is concerned about the rising cost of gas, but are you willing to change your driving habits to conserve?

CBS station WJZ-TV reporter Dennis Edwards reports one senator wants to create a national speed limit to save on gas.

Virginia Senator John Warner says it's a proven way to reduce gasoline consumption, but the trade-off may be too much for most drivers.

Warner is asking energy officials to look into which speed limit provides the best gasoline efficiency.

The powerful Republican believes Congress should consider re-imposing a 55 mph national speed limit as a way to reduce gasoline consumption and lower prices at the pump.

"I think it's too slow. I think the speed limit is what it should be. I think that the way people are used to driving 65, going to 55 is gonna cause a whole trouble," said Mysia Hamilton from Parkville.

The last time Congress set the national speed limit at 55 mph was 34 years ago because of the Arab oil embargo. That speed limit was repealed in 1995.

Warner is using study results to back up his suggestion. They show the nation saving $167,000 barrels of oil a day with a 55 mph speed limit or two percent of all highway fuel consumption.

With Maryland gasoline prices climbing from an average of $3.97 a gallon to $4.04 over the last 30 days, it's a tempting idea to some drivers. But all aren't for it.

"I don't think it will save much gas. People are still gonna go over. I don't know. You'll have to leave two days early if you want to get somewhere," said Rodney Bailey from Baltimore.

Supporters say there is another benefit to lowering the national speed limit. It could avoid up to 4,000 traffic deaths a year.

Warner is waiting to hear whether the Bush Administration will support his plan.

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