OPINION > AROUND THE WATER COOLER

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

Should the national speed limit be lowered to 60 mph to reduce gas use?

Yes: 5

No: 5

■ Karen Anderson: Yes. It should be lowered so our actual speed on 101 could drop to 75.

■ Bert Berson: Yes. Experts say lower demand has already resulted in lower prices.

■ Chris Bryant: No. People will not slow down. High cost of fuel is enough incentive to conserve.

■ David Cohen: No. While it would save some gasoline, the punitive nature of the lower speed limit would only result in an increase in the number of speeding tickets.

■ Julian Mancias: Yes. By lowering the speed limit we will use less gas and less demand for gas could result in lower gas prices.

■ Linda McNulty: No, but if we took those speed bumps out of downtown, then people would stop slamming on their brakes ... and that might save some gas.

■ Lisa Pampuch: No. Speed limits should be about safety, not about trying to force drivers to use less fuel. Price will take care of fuel use.

■ John Quick: No. Previous efforts were ineffective. What is needed are more fuel efficient vehicles.

■ Emily Shem-Tov: It seems like it could have a lot of benefits, but would probably be a big enforcement problem (doesn't seem like anyone keeps to the speed limit now on 101!).

■ Steve Staloch: Yes, if the legislation required that the savings - estimated at 2 percent of consumption - also be reflected in the price at the pumps, and is bundled with a broader long-term plan to achieve oil independence.

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