A recent study published in the Nature journal Communications Sustainability found that driving at posted speed limits can save U.S. drivers millions of dollars at the gas pump and eliminate millions of gallons of fuel each day. The study analyzed 120 million vehicle trips across the United States from four Wednesdays in 2021 using driving data on national road networks, speed limits, and U.S. Geological Survey elevation data.

Findings

The researchers found that if drivers of light-duty, conventional internal combustion engine vehicles actually drove at posted speed limits, it could save an average of $22 million, based on fuel costs at the time, 6.7 million gallons of fuel, and 57,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide every day. The researchers also noted that driving at or below the posted limit corresponds to only about 54 seconds longer per day, with an average daily driving distance of 28.6 miles.

According to William Northrop, mechanical engineering professor at the University of Minnesota and study co-author, "If your goal is to shave one minute off your time, then you've got to drive fast. If your objective is to get to your destination safely and to save fuel, then you might drive slower than the speed limit."

State Differences

The study found differences among states, with Nevada seeing elevated speeding prevalence as well as high speed excess. There was high speeding prevalence in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, though those states did not necessarily exhibit high speed excess. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and South Dakota showed both low speeding prevalence and speed excess.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.