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From: rdz@ccice5.UUCP (Robert D. Zarcone)
Newsgroups: net.auto,net.consumers
Subject: Re: 55mph speed limit
Message-ID: <825@ccice5.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 8-May-85 12:21:41 EDT
Article-I.D.: ccice5.825
Posted: Wed May  8 12:21:41 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 11-May-85 00:02:23 EDT
References: <5500003@petrus.UUCP> <3560@alice.UUCP> <556@digi-g.UUCP> <1237@amdcad.UUCP>
Organization: CCI Central Engineering, Rochester, NY
Lines: 22
Xref: watmath net.auto:6781 net.consumers:2251

> In article <556@digi-g.UUCP>, brian@digi-g.UUCP (Merlyn Leroy) writes:
> > I know of no argument for the 65 mph speed limit
> > that cannot also be advanced for a 135 mph speed limit.
> 
> I do: the Interstates were engineered for safe operation at 70 mph.
> They were not designed for 135 mph.
> -- 

Yes and no.  The Interstate highway building began in the late 1950's and
really picked-up in the 1960's.  Cars at that time were about twice as
heavy as they are today, on average.  Guard rails, light posts, etc. were
designed to retain and break away when hit by that greater mass.  They were
also designed for impact at higher points from the road surface.  I saw an
interesting film clip a couple of years ago (sorry, can't remember where)
of an early 60's GM sedan and a mid 70's Japenesse coupe taking on these
obstacles at about 60MPH.  The "occupents" of the Olds lived to tell the
tale.  Those in the Datsun did not.

BTW, this is NOT an advocacy for the 55MPH limit.  I drive a Saab so I don't
have to worry about crashing! [:-)]

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