Our own self interest? Yes! We are a non profit demanding our laws be based solely on empirical findings that have been fully vetted. There are protocols to test new thesis, but in all cases once the finding are known, public policy should reflect the actual findings.

Our group is made up entirely by those who donate their time. We have no paid positions or advocates.

The premise "55-mph speed limit will save gas, money" is akin to someone using slogans to reincarnate the flat earth society. Simply stated, the 55 mph didn't save lives or fuel last time, why would it now? It surely won't solve our energy problems.

Those nations that are self sufficient in energy also have the strongest economies. What we’re suffering from is a delusional belief that we can solve our energy and environmental problems by devaluing the dollar and printing more money to ship offshore buy energy.

There is only one solution to our energy crisis. We must become self-sufficient! We need to green-light oil production in US territories, liquefied coal conversion, solar, alternative fuels, and more efficient vehicles and technologies. ALL! While we’re attaining energy self-sufficiency, we can simultaneously work to improve processes, cost, the environment and carbon footprints, too.

Changing the speed limit does not address the core problem. In fact, the rule of unintended consequences for this remedy has been studied, and is a known. It didn't work, nor can it! This proposal, when taken in context of all the factors, would have the opposite effect.

Most people act in a reasonable and responsible manner; whereas, government runs on revenue and empire building… not rational thought. The last NMSL created a monster US agency of Public Myth and Propaganda AKA NHTSA, along with a parasite legacy of law enforcement, courts etc that continues today. Clearly at the expense of safety and due process. Expanding this entitlement access to your wallet is not an energy policy.

To reduce fuel consumption you need to optimize and reduce flow friction. Slowing traffic in urban areas causes reductions in roadway capacity and service levels. In terms of carbon footprint, how much energy is consumed by the reduced capacity, stop and go traffic jams etc, if you could actually get traffic to slow?

On rural roads what is the real cost of the few gallons saved, if the trucker, business man, traveler et al now has to spend 5 days on the road to accomplish what he used to do in 4. Besides the lost productivity, what does it cost in energy to staff hotels, restaurants, and to get their staff to work or the supplies delivered.

Transportation infrastructure, energy use, the ability to live and pay for these systems, and to do it safely is a process, not a slogan.

We can improve commerce and our economy, save lives, reduce energy consumption and improve the environment when those in charge are interested in the best interest of "We the People". Therein lies the true problem.

Speed limits are a red herring. Per a conversation with my senator's (Harry Reid) transportation staff member… none of the groups that come to see him say this. Precisely, all levels of Washington DC is run by self interest, not "We the People"!

Chad Dornsife, Executive Director
Best Highway Safety Practices Institute