明尼苏达大学研究人员基于2021年四个星期三采集的1.2亿次车辆行程数据发表研究，论证了遵守限速的经济和环保价值[1]。
研究显示，若美国驾驶员严格遵守限速行驶，每天可节省约720万加仑汽油，按当前油价折合约2600万美元[1]。在碳排放方面，这一改变每天可减少5.7万公吨二氧化碳排放，相当于将550万辆乘用车驶离道路[1]。
与减少的燃油消耗相比，时间成本微乎其微[1]。根据研究数据，驾驶员平均每日行驶距离为28.6英里，遵守限速仅比超速多花约54秒[1]。
研究人员指出，这一分析同样适用于电动汽车，加州模型显示降低车速能提高电动汽车的效率[1]。在汽油价格超过每加仑4美元的当下，改变驾驶习惯对节约能源和应对气候变化具有重要意义[1]。
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have released findings demonstrating that adhering to posted speed limits delivers substantial savings in fuel consumption and carbon emissions while adding only modest delays to travel times. [1]
The study analyzed data from 128 million vehicle trips recorded over four Wednesdays in 2021. [1] If American drivers strictly obeyed speed limits, the research indicates the nation would save approximately 26 million dollars in fuel costs daily—equivalent to 7.2 million gallons of gasoline at current prices—while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 57,000 metric tons each day. [1] The latter figure is comparable to removing 5.5 million passenger vehicles from roads entirely. [1]
The time penalty for compliance proves negligible. For drivers traveling an average daily distance of 28.6 miles, adhering to speed limits adds only about 54 seconds to their commute compared to exceeding posted limits. [1]
The researchers note that their findings apply beyond traditional combustion engines. A model based on California driving patterns shows that reduced speeds similarly improve efficiency for electric vehicles. [1]
The study arrives during a period of heightened fuel price sensitivity, driven by geopolitical factors that pushed American gasoline prices above four dollars per gallon. [1] The research underscores how behavioral changes in driving habits can contribute meaningfully to energy conservation and climate change mitigation efforts.