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From: mjw@aluxp.UUCP (Michael Weber)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: 55MPH-save gas?
Message-ID: <297@aluxp.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 23-Feb-86 00:08:59 EST
Article-I.D.: aluxp.297
Posted: Sun Feb 23 00:08:59 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 26-Feb-86 03:30:16 EST
References: <424@cubsvax.UUCP>
Reply-To: mjw@aluxp.UUCP (Michael Weber)
Distribution: net.auto
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Lines: 35
Summary: The real story.

In article <424@cubsvax.UUCP> das@cubsvax.UUCP (David Sassoon) writes:
 
>I remember that the lower speed limit had 'dramatically' reduced
>gas consumption.  Although the original intention was to save
>lives (which I think was well demonstrated) this second boon
>resulted.

Since I was awarded my drivers license just after the "National Maximum
Speed Limit" was instituted, I remember its details well.  It was
originally intended to reduce gasoline consumption due to the
artificially induced gasoline shortage at that time.  The emphasis on
the "life savings" effect of this act was used later (and still is)
to justify its existence since gasoline was once again readily available
and (relatively) cheap.

In my opinion the only reason this law remains in effect is due to the
considerable amount of revenue it generates for state and local
governments.  If 100% of us would obey this law 100% of the time for an
extended period the limit would probably be further reduced ;-).

Seriously, if you were a congress-critter would you find it easier
(i.e. more politically expedient) to increase taxes or save a few
additional lives? 

Does anyone on the net have any information about the percentage of
various state and local incomes derived from traffic violations?
It must be quite high since every state has set up an independant
enforcement unit dedicated to monitoring the highways and byways of
the country ;-)

-- 

Regards,				AT&T Bell Laboratories
Michael Weber				1255 South Cedar Crest Boulevard
ihnp4!aluxp!mjw				Allentown, Pennsylvania  18103