Will a National (USA) speed limit be made law by July 4, 2009?

Dear motorists in Montana, Nevada & West Texas, we don't care that there are stretches of highway, sometimes 100 miles or more between ANYTHING, take it down to 55. Sheessh.

Excellent question!
I was wondering about that myself... seems like gasoline hitting $4.00 a gallon became the flash point where many people's behavior has changed relative to consumption/decisions on travel/food or gasoline/etc.

I wonder what the political implications are of a candidate/Congress-person supporting/not supporting such a measure are.

Time for a question(s), "Will Obama/McCain be asked if they support a national 55mph speed limit?" -- 'cept they would, no doubt, <cough> deflect the question with "I think we should look at all the options that may make sense..."

We did a 55 mph speed limit several years ago, and as I remember, it seemed to be relatively successful...I didn't really mind driving a bit slower, and as I recall, highway deaths dropped as well.

Individuals can decide to drive slower to save money themselves, but it's hard to do when everyone else is whizzing by you and you tend to cause dangerous highway situation by driving slower.

Of course, our nation doesn't want to sacrifice anything anymore, whether it's for a war or and energy crisis...in fact, name the issue and we just don't want to give up anything...in fact, we want more...

'Nuf for the editorial...don't think anyone's gonna get anything done . . . regardless of who is elected President.

good editorial bayoubear...argue both sides and state the obvious..well done

@all HD'S...this is the states giving up rights to fed govt for the all mighty dollar. the fed govt can't tell you how fast to drive. they'll pass a law and say if the states don't enforce it they get no fed money for roads. whats next the fed govt gonna tell you where to set your thermastats? the fed govt got us in the situation we're in now. STOP GIVING UP YOUR RIGHTS TO THE FED GOVT! i know i'll be in the minority cause people think this will help with the price of gas. how much you willing to give up to get cheaper gas? have a nice day.

@ dieseldog,

I'm right there with you brother. Many, many states rights have been eroded and they will continue to be eroded until citizens resist. Even the civil war itself was primarily about state's rights, but you won't often hear it explained that way in History books. California is already trying to remotely control thermostats. A missing detail in the "explanation" of how much better we'll all be by driving slower is the lost productivity, more pollution from being stuck in traffic longer, higher cost of goods, spoilage of perishable goods, more tickets being written, the whole thing drives me crazy.