Question

Case Study: “Substitutability Between Gasoline Consumption and Driving Time” to respond to this discussion question. There is a move today to restate the federal law to limit the maximum speed of 55 miles per hour. Given the discussion in the case study do you agree limiting the speed limit. Additionally, do you think the requirement to use your seat-belt will impact this trade-off between speed and gas consumption?

Answer 1

Gasoline Consumption and Driving Time are positively related. If Driving Time increases, Gasoline Consumption increases. However, driving at a higher speed can increase fuel consumption whereas driving at 55 miles per hour smoothly will use fuel more efficiently;will use less fuel.

Also, higher speed is positively related to increased number of accidents, intensity of injuries due to a car crash and a higher mortality rate. Hence, limiting speed is an agreeable step.

The requirement to use a seat-belt will reduce the intensity of injury due to an accident,however, it doesn't change the fact that more fuel is consumed at higher speed. So, it will not affect trade-off between speed and gas consumption much.