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Originally Posted by RedSHED
I don't disagree about the speed limit, at least in principle, but the raw numbers of fatalities have decreased since the 55 limit went away. Adjust that on a per capita basis or a per-million mile basis and it's pretty impressive (something like 55000/year in the late 60's to 45000 in the mid 80's, to around 42000 lately).
One of the factors that seems to be at work was that a 55mph limit encouraged people to drive on secondary roads. So... why not a 100kph limit for federal highways? Although the long, tedious agonizing hours between Odessa Texas and Albuquerque aren't really helped by that, it seems a place to start.
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There are a lot of other factors that lowered fatalities such as more seat belt wearers, safer autos, etc. But if 55 mph is pushing people onto secondary roads then the solution is simple. Reduce secondary road speed limits to 45-50 mph. Some of those roads are not comfortable at 55 mph. It would not bother me one bit. I love driving the secondary roads and am generally in no hurry when I drive them. In fact I would welcome the slower speeds. Unlike freeways there is just so much to see and slower speeds would be more enjoyable.
BTW, turbo diesel is the way to go. Great mileage and no loss of power in the altitudes. I'm loving it. I would welcome more diesel autos on the road. It would help mainstream stations in providing better fill-up facilities. Occasionally I am forced to fill up with one of those semi-truck stations with high speed discharge and no auto shutoff. It can be messy to start out from previous use and can get messier if you are not careful.
We rented a small Kia Sorrento SUV in England and put 1,500 miles on it. It was diesel but the stations and pumps were clean and not a problem. Kia does not sell that model with a diesel option in the states.