Can't Drive 65? How Fast Should The National Speed Limit Really Be?

Left to their own devices, American drivers confronted with an open stretch of interstate highway tend to drive at about 70 miles per hour—whatever the legal speed limit happens to be.

That's the finding of an analysis of speed data gathered by TomTom Inc., a marketer of GPS navigation devices. This helps to explain why safety advocates and conservationists are losing the long-running debate over lowering freeway speed limits.

The Virginia legislature last week passed legislation raising the speed limit on rural interstate highways to 70 mph from 65 mph. The state's new Republican governor, Bob McDonnell, put boosting the legal speed limit high on his list of priorities, and got action less than three months after taking office.

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0to60 - 3/17/2010 1:52:56 PM

+7 Boost

It should be the flow of traffic. If traffic is moving at 65, then 65. If traffic is moving at 85, then 85. I realize this will not work. lol

Agent009 - 3/17/2010 3:08:07 PM

+4 Boost

Passing through Oklahoma where it is 80 mph, I was running at the limit and passing cars all day long. About 30% to 40% were under by at least 5 mph.

0to60 - 3/17/2010 3:13:32 PM

+5 Boost

I hate drivers that drive below the speed limit. But I have a lead foot so...

theman440 - 3/17/2010 11:46:57 PM

+1 Boost

Ditto

FillorKill - 3/17/2010 3:21:50 PM

+3 Boost

Here in my area of CT, the official limits are 55mph while everyone is driving 75+.

OBie - 3/17/2010 3:47:52 PM

+2 Boost

Just like Sprint... Unlimited :-)

theoptimisticpessimist - 3/17/2010 3:54:30 PM

+6 Boost

America needs to build an American Autobahn. That's a job bill I can get behnind.

commander104 - 3/17/2010 3:59:39 PM

+3 Boost

theoptomist already said this so in other words...On highways, there should be a certain Minimum limit for safety and the other rule should be to Keep Right, Pass Left with no limit or at least 80 or 90.

topneuro - 3/17/2010 5:14:40 PM

+6 Boost

For me just change all speed limit signs to a sign that says:
Get off the left lane unless you are passing, you moron!

Tarzan - 3/18/2010 3:08:16 AM

+3 Boost

I think it depends on what you drive. Off the lot, cars should come equipped with a speed govenor tied to their GPS. If its a Toyota Prius, the govenor should limit the car to 55 on the interstate. If its a Cayman, 80 sounds reasonable. But also deduct 5 mph for women drivers, another 5 for asian, and 10 for the over 65 year olds. JK

veyron1001 - 3/18/2010 12:32:33 PM

+2 Boost

actually for women turn off non essential electronics in the vehicle at all times

Whelan - 3/18/2010 9:27:37 AM

+1 Boost

Southeastern CT limits are 55 and 65 once you get away from urban areas (New Haven, Stamford, etc.). However I drive consistently in the 70-80mph range.

CT State Police only notice you if:
-70 (15 over the limit) gets not a glance
-75 depends on the cops mood and traffic flow, it is 20 over.
-80 They will pull you over unless they don't notice you behind a truck or something.

Problem is the highways are so windy and tight-laned and patchy with fixes and paving that you can't really do speeds consistently.

Shredmo - 3/18/2010 10:13:04 AM

+2 Boost

80mph national speed limit in rural areas is reasonable. IMO, for long distance drives, 80mph is a comfortable, economical and sustainable speed. Of course I would like to drive much faster on occasion :)

1dott8 - 3/18/2010 3:58:34 PM

+1 Boost

Shredmo - i couldn't agree more.