Story Created:
May 21, 2008 at 6:35 PM CDT
Story Updated:
May 22, 2008 at 8:56 AM CDT
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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