Reducing the speed limit to 50 mph, say researchers, would create the tipping point where taking transit or modes other than driving will become more attractive and therefore save CO2 emissions.
Also, it turns out that driving slower reduces emissions.
From Wired: "The faster you go, the more fuel you burn because wind resistance increases exponentially. Lowering your speed by 5 mph when traveling at 35 to 45 mph will boost fuel economy as much as 10 percent (.pdf), according to a report the General Accounting Office prepared in 2008."
Treehugger takes the Wired article a step further, presenting six reasons why slowing down is beneficial. For one:
"It could save a lot of fuel. Some estimates indicate up to 5%; In 1983, by which time many people were ignoring it, it saved 2.5 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel, or 2.2% of the total fuel used. Oil was a horrible $ 20 per barrel. Wired notes that "The Department of Energy noted in 2008 that lowering the national speed limit to 55 mph would save 175,000 to 275,000 barrels of oil daily."
FULL STORY: Slow Down and Spare the Planet
EU Speed Limiter Law Kicks In
All new cars sold in Europe and Northern Ireland will include speed limiting tech, among other new safety features.
Traffic Deaths Rise in New York State, Despite Fewer Crashes
Traffic fatality rates have spiked in New York State since the pandemic, with speeding and drunk driving among the biggest catalysts.
How Zoning Affects Greenhouse Gas Emissions
As the urgency of the climate crisis increases, a paper in the Notre Dame Law Review argues that increased density is not a universally effective strategy to reduce emissions and that different strategies are needed for low-carbon places versus high-carbon ones.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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