Supporting a Speed Limit - Essay Example

According to C.Manmohan Reddy, theoretically, a vehicle traveling at a constant 60 km/ph would consume only about one-fourth the fuel than while traveling at 120 kmph because aerodynamic drag increases with the square of the speed (Reddy). Germany’s autobahn is free of speed limits for most of its 12,000 km. The Germans’ pride in their free-speed autobahn is well known. The autobahn was in the news recently when Greenpeace activists put up banners that read “120”, demanding a speed limit of 120 km/h on the Autobahn.

But the powerful German car makers’ lobby disagrees. Car manufacturers argue that emissions from cars are already very low. Limiting the speed has no additional benefit, they say. One car maker went as far as to say that the idea of speed limits was like “hitting the automobile industry between its legs!” (Connolly). This is not surprising, since car manufacturers promote their products as macho machines. Reckless speed is equated to manliness. Their stance that emissions from cars are low does not address the safety issue or the fuel wastage. Predictably, politicians are on the back foot – unpopular decisions are best postponed indefinitely. The public mood in Germany is also said to be one of “anger” – anger at the perceived erosion of their freedom.

A strong, sustained campaign targeted at the grassroots is the need of the hour. Speed limits are necessary – for the sake of the individual (safety), the country (fuel economy), and the environment (emission reduction). People must be encouraged to drive the car carefully, rarely, and slowly.