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Gas Mileage, Reduce Oil Consumption, Speed
In the early ’70s, gas prices skyrocketed from $.33 to $.60 per gallon and higher. Reports in Time Magazine (and elsewhere) indicated that the world supply of oil was depleted and we’d have to take drastic steps to “survive”. Consumers switched to smaller and more energy efficient cars. We also reduced consumption of oil via a mandated reduction of the highway speed limits from 70 mpg to 55mph. When speeds were set at 70 mpg, it was not unheard of to drive 80+ mpg. At 55 mpg, people might stretch it to 70. But, the point (or theory) is that 55 mpg is the most efficient driving speed.
Since then, the speed limit is back to 70 mpg or higher in some western states. With drastically higher gas prices, the question is should we reduce speed limits to reduce gas consumption?? And, is 55 mpg the ideal speed or is it 60, 65 or other? What are your thoughts? Were you driving in the 1970s. Are you willing to go slower to consume less gas and reduce the demand and prices? Love to hear your thoughts? Gas is currently $4.11 in Maine. What is it in your community?
Contact me at pgeiger@farmersalmanac.com.
Peter Geiger is the Editor of the Farmers' Almanac. 
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.
