Speed Thrills

In 1974, responding to high oil and gas prices, Congress passed the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act, which set 55 mph as the maximum speed allowed around the nation.  The emergency lasted until 1995 when Congress repealed federal limits.  Since then, different states have adopted different rules, with the Northeast going for 65 on their interstates, the Southeast 70, and much of the wide open west 75.  (Though you gotta watch out, since certain cities in the west have the limit drop to 65, then 55, and sometimes even lower as you approach--indeed, this seems to be a main source of revenue at these places.) Then there's Texas, where certain areas have a maximum of 80 mph.

When the limits were removed, a lot of people said it would lead to thousands of extra deaths. I don't know if that happened, but I don't hear these people so much any more, so maybe things didn't turn out like they expected.  Of course, 55 mph was an oppressive joke, since almost no one followed it, but it allowed police to give out a lot of tickets.  I know I was glad I could drive 70--I've driven across the country more than once and a 55 mph limit would add an extra day to get from Los Angeles to New York. (It's also probably dangerous for me, since it would likely keep me on the road longer, and I'd get more tired.)

Anyway, Texas is now considering a rise to 85.  Seems to be getting pretty high, but I know if it were there I'd take advantage of it.  Texas is a damn long state to get through no matter how fast you go.  I remember for a few years Montana had no official limit--the law was you had to drive at a "reasonable and prudent" speed. I drove through Montana once while this law was in effect (in fact, I drove through Montana because this law was in effect) and I couldn't resist--for a short period, when I was all alone on the interstate, I opened it up to 100. I had to see how it felt.  Somehow, if I'd passed a cop, I don't think he would have found it reasonable or prudent.

After that, 85 doesn't seem so bad.  The main trouble is I'm sure a lot of Texans are already driving 85.  If the limit is raised, I suppose they'll have to go faster.