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From: john@frog.UUCP (John Woods, Software)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: Speedometer limits
Message-ID: <299@frog.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 20-Dec-85 14:08:27 EST
Article-I.D.: frog.299
Posted: Fri Dec 20 14:08:27 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Dec-85 10:29:23 EST
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Organization: Charles River Data Systems, Framingham MA
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>> From: cpr0@bunny.UUCP (C. Rosebrugh)
>> ...Seriously, though, what's the regulation behind the maximum numbers on a
>> speedometer? How come the majority of them went to 85MPH some years back?
> 
> I can't answer some of the other questions, but it was my understanding
> that when the Feds mandated 55 mph speed limits, there was an attempt
> to create a psychological incentive of sorts for people to get used to
> and obey that limit.
> 
> Why the Dept. of Transportation changed the law "back" again is a mystery
> to me.
> 
> - Mark Bernstein (UT - Austin, Speech)
> 
It's probably very simple -- during the slump in auto sales, the auto
manufacturers lobbied the DOT to get rid of this restriction that was
preventing them from selling cars.  Obviously, if fewer people were buying
cars, it must be because people weren't being lured into automobile showrooms
with visions of raw power.  Of course, we all know that the recession and the
Japanese had nothing to do with this...... :-)


--
John Woods, Charles River Data Systems, Framingham MA, (617) 626-1101
...!decvax!frog!john, ...!mit-eddie!jfw, jfw%mit-ccc@MIT-XX.ARPA

Out of my way, I'm a scientist!
	War of the Worlds