Iowa Drivers React to South Dakota Proposal

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Iowa Drivers React to South Dakota Proposal

By Robert Wilson

You could soon be driving slower no matter what. A former South Dakota legislator is pushing congress to pass a measure to lower the speed limit on all federal highways this summer. South Dakota drivers on most state highways can go 65 miles an hour. Cross the border into Iowa, and the speed limit drops to 55 miles an hour. Now some in South Dakota say we should all be driving slower in the name of saving gas.

Larchwood resident Lawrence Schreurs drives across the border into South Dakota twice a week. But he doesn't speed up when he hits state line. "Well, I start out at 55 and I never change my speed. I go right on and a lot of guys pass me, but a lot of them don't too."

One of those who wants the federal government to lower speed limits on it's highway system between July 1st and Labor Day is former South Dakota Senator Rebecca Dunn. Then she hopes states and counties might follow suit. "I think if people just try it for a day or a singular trip and see how much they're able to save at the pump."

She says that's all it would take to convince many drivers. On the interstate she says cutting speeds from 75 to 65 miles an hour can save drivers as much as 40 to 60 cents a gallon.

Back in Iowa, Lawrence says if the change was made not everyone would obey the lower limits. He also knows it would save gas. "They say if you're speed is right you make better mileage, and I know that is right."

So what else can you do, besides slowing down, to save gas? One of the most important things it to keep your tires properly inflated.

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Thursday, May 22 at 9:53 PM Kory wrote ...

I mentioned in a related article that I'll take the extra time at my destination over a savings in the tank. My time has a greater value to me. But what I'm still trying to figure out is how 40 to 60 cents per gallon will be saved? Is going slower going to make the gas less expensive at the pump? I don't belive it will. It will most certainly cause an increase in fuel economy, but that isn't less spent per gallon, it's less per mile. Significant differance between the two.

Thursday, May 22 at 4:22 PM Andale wrote ...

I think everyone should get to drive up to 150mph as long as they don't hit anything. Why not? It's their $

Thursday, May 22 at 3:54 PM Derek wrote ...

Exactly, Jon. 65 is bad enough and 55 is torture. People can drive whatever speed they want, just stay out of my way when I'm passing you at 80 on the interstate. Have my 40 cents, it doesn't hurt me much.

Thursday, May 22 at 8:26 AM John wrote ...

Leave the decision to the driver. If they want to save 40-60 cents a gallon, they will slow down, if not, they will continue to drive the speed limit. We all know to slow down will save, but we don't need to be told to do so. To each there own. Are there not bigger worries to take care of? Drunk drivers kill innocent people and they still get behind the wheel. Find a way to STOP that.

Thursday, May 22 at 8:19 AM Jon wrote ...

If anything the speed limit should be raised to 75 on most of the highways. I really don't care if you go 55 or 65 just stay out of the passing lanes.

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