Numerous studies on file with the Utah Division of Air Quality show that speeds above 50 mph increase pollutants by roughly 5 percent per each 5 mph of speed.
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Recent columns designed to make us more aware of air pollution along the Wasatch Front and letters to the editor concerning the subject all largely ignore the major problem and subsequent simple solution. Automobiles continue to be the primary source of air pollutants and Utahns' obsession with speed is a major contributing factor.
Numerous studies on file with the Utah Division of Air Quality show that speeds above 50 mph increase pollutants by roughly 5 percent per each 5 mph of speed. Thus, 65 mph contributes 15 percent more pollutants to the air. When was the last time you saw somebody driving the posted speed limit on the freeway? Speeds of 75 mph are much nearer the average.
A zero tolerance speed limit of 65 mph would greatly reduce air pollution, and subsequent reduction of speed limits if enforced would do more to improve our air quality than any other single measure could provide as quickly. Wake up and slow down, Utahns, or forfeit your right to complain about air quality.
Donald E. Curtis
West Bountiful
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Slow down?
Drive sensibly?
But that would impede my inalienable rights as an American patriot tea bagging gun-toting big truck driving blasting everyone else off the road all for me and none for you way of thinking and acting. More..
I like how the math part just... comes together like that. %5 per 5mph over 55. Sounds fishy. Which is why it probably isn't the case.
If you are free to carry an assault weapon that is needed, you should be free to drive a vehicle to speed designed without government overregulation. If we had removed our speed limits like Germany, we would now have world class vehicles. Our More..