Mancini's Commentaries

Drop the speed limit

Sen. John Warner, a Republican from Virginia, is proposing a national speed limit of 55 mph to conserve fuel. I agree, but with additional reasons. A 55 mph ``double nickel' speed limit was adopted by Congress in 1974 during an energy crisis and probably was the most detested and disobeyed law next to prohibition. I remember those days. The speed limit was repealed in 1995. Warner, according to Associated Press, said studies demonstrate that lowering the speed limit to 55 mph saves 167,000 barrels of oil a day. The Consumer Energy Center in California says dropping from 65 mph to 55 mph will cut your car's gasoline consumption by 15 percent. More importantly, a lower speed limit will save lives, maybe 4,000 a year, Warner said. Warner's statistics will be challenged. From a common sense perspective, I believe driving slower is safer and I practice what I preach. I always drive at least 5 mph below the speed limit and often set my cruise control at 60 mph on the interstate.