Abstract
The 55 mph speed limit originally imposed to save fuel is estimated to save between 2000 and 4000 lives a year, because of the slower and more uniform highway speeds. This paper summarises the findings of a transportation research board study (see ICTED N.20238) into the consequences of the law in terms of fatalities, fuel consumption and driving times, and whether the laws of each state constitute a sufficient deterrent to speeding. Charles lave questions the authors' conclusions on the benefits of the law when first enacted and today, and on the current cost of the law, and the authors respond to his comments. (Author/publisher)