55-MPH SPEED LIMIT DAY (1974)
Categories: Anniversary, Transportation & Legal
Location: United States
Type of Event: Daily Event
Updated: May 06, 2024
Location: United States
Type of Event: Daily Event
Updated: May 06, 2024
About 55 Mile Per Hour Day
Today is the anniversary of the enactment of the 55 mile per hour speed limit in the United States in 1974.
Speed limits have been with us since 1757, the first of which was passed in Boston. The 55 mile an hour speed limit became the maximum speed limit in the United States for a period of 12 years beginning in 1974 and ending in 1986. It was thought to force fuel economy and came into being after the 1973 oil embargo. It was thought that fuel consumption would fall by 2.2%. In reality it only fell between .5 and 1.1%, depending upon the study.
As Sammy Hagar famously states in his song “I Can’t Drive 55” (see below. Talk about a fun flashback. My, my the fashions!), the double nickel speed limit was not popular, especial on rural highways in western states. In 1987 the US Congress raised the national speed limit to 65 MPHBy the end of 1995, National Highway Designation Act permanently killed the idea of a national speed limit, transferring authority to the individual States.
We’ve included a few fast songs from the era for your enjoyment below.
Speed limits have been with us since 1757, the first of which was passed in Boston. The 55 mile an hour speed limit became the maximum speed limit in the United States for a period of 12 years beginning in 1974 and ending in 1986. It was thought to force fuel economy and came into being after the 1973 oil embargo. It was thought that fuel consumption would fall by 2.2%. In reality it only fell between .5 and 1.1%, depending upon the study.
As Sammy Hagar famously states in his song “I Can’t Drive 55” (see below. Talk about a fun flashback. My, my the fashions!), the double nickel speed limit was not popular, especial on rural highways in western states. In 1987 the US Congress raised the national speed limit to 65 MPHBy the end of 1995, National Highway Designation Act permanently killed the idea of a national speed limit, transferring authority to the individual States.
We’ve included a few fast songs from the era for your enjoyment below.
PROMOTIONAL DETAILS
Event Sponsor:
Historical Anniversary. See: U.S. General Services Administration
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