According to a recently written article by CNN, legislators are working to pass a bill allowing Texas drivers to drive a speed limit of 85 on some highways. The change would only take place on streches of road or certain lanes and the highways that would be effected would have to be determined safe. Advantages would be that drivers could get to their destination faster and avoid slow drivers. For those who are worried about fuel consumption, this proposal could be a concern. The average vehicle reaches its optimal fuel effeciency at 60 miles per hour. This means that gas mileage decreases again once a car goes over 60 mph. According to the US Department of Energy, for every five miles above 60, drivers pay an additional 24 cents per gallon (based on a gallon costing $3.52). Whether or not the law will have a positive outcome is debatable. Consumers must decide which is better: spending money on gasoline or getting to their destination faster. If the bill is passed, it will come into effect immediately.
Amber Stephens
You made a great connection between an increased speed limit and fuel consumption. I believe that fuel conscious people will remain going at a slower rate if they wish to conserve fuel. However, other less fuel conscious people will most likely appreciate this new change, and I am sure that gas stations will appreciate it as well. This new increase in the speed limit could serve to help our economy if enough people are wiling and able to pay for more fuel. Because this increase will most likely cause people to unknowlingly spend more money on fuel, this could have a negative effect on the economy as well. When people take an average trip that they have taken many times before they are probable expecting to pay X amount of money on gas. However, they may not realize the change in speed limit and unknowingly cost themselves more money, money they very likely will not be able to pay.
ReplyDeleteAmber, this is a very good issue to discuss. with most cars achieving their optimal gas mileage at 60mph, there is a potential for decreased fuel economy. do keep in mind however that it is a speed limit and you do not have to go to the limit. The mixed market in the US allows us to choose where we purchase and how we spend (the majority of) our money. With the increased limit, there will be more freedom to go over the typical maximum of 70 on interstates. Also, not all cars do achieve their highest effeciency at 60mph. I believe your statistic is correct as a whole, but the maker of the statistic needs to make sure to take into account the new technology. the opportunity cost of speeding is the good gas mileage in this situation however. Amber i think your post is very interesting and i hope that the bill does pass.
ReplyDeleteGEORGE COLLINS^^
ReplyDeleteThat is a really good point Kinsey! I didn't even think about how many people will be caught by surprise at the fact that they will have to spend more money on a trip. Although that seems like a bad thing, it could also be good because like you said, the gas stations are making more money and consumers can get to their destination faster.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the article George. I understand what you're saying and I'm glad you pointed out that the gas mileage can be viewed as the opportunity cost. I understand what you are saying about how not all cars reach their highest efficiency at 60 mph. But based on the AVERAGE efficiency, we can tell that consumers will spend more than usual.