The 55-MPH national speed limit

The national automotive speed limit of 55 MPH was enacted in 1974 as an energy saving measure and was kept in place when highway fatalities dropped sharply upon its implementation. A recent NAS study endorsed the speed limit generally, but suggested that it might be modified on rural portions of interstate highways. Legislation is pending in Congress that would allow the States to raise the limit on rural interstates; President Reagan has now endorsed this concept.,Abstract -- Summary -- Background -- State Enforcement of the Speed Limit -- Public Opinion -- "Fuzzbusters' -- The National Academy of Sciences Study -- Speed Limit Legislation in the 99th Congress -- Reagan Administration Position -- Changing the Speed Limit-Pros and Cons.,CRS 86-634 SPR,September 15, 1986,SuDoc# LC 14. 18/3