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Recent studies show that the safest traffic pattern on non-urban highways is when the lanes move at the speed which 80% or more of the drivers want to travel at. Traveling at other rates of speed increase tension, increase reaction time and promote compulsive actions.

I'm NOT complaining about safety at all. Would just like to see a new study of the fleet to find the average most efficient speed and go with that.

Would just like to see a new study of the fleet to find the average most efficient speed and go with that.

About two years ago, in a settlement with EPA, they tried to force a 55 mph speed limit for Houston and the surrounding suburban counties. To show the appropriate emissions savings they used EPA's modplan IV. This was an outdated plan. However, using modplan V showed no savings and using the very newest plan showed a degradation. The particular emissions measured are directly proportional to the amount of fuel burned. Ergo, EPA's latest figures show increased fuel consumption when speed is reduced from 70 mph to 55 mph. Houston Metro area Speed limits are back up to 70 mph.