Why 55 mph?

[pkbridges77]

Another thread mentioned the 55 mph limit for vehicles towing trailers in California. Can anyone explain the rationale for that lower speed limit when vehicle traffic is between 70-80 mph? IMHO it actually creates a safety hazard rather than making things safer. Seems like a carryover from the '60's or '70's when the flow of traffic was not as fast. Has CA looked into changing this, and does any other state have this kind of abnormal restriction?

[1retired06]

never seen it enforced

[BB_TX]

I believe Illinois speed limit is also 55 for towing large trailers.

[rohrmann]

Actually, the 55 mph restriction is for anything being towed, regardless of size. The state would have to hire a boatload of CHP to even start enforcing the limit, but if there is an accident, this puts teeth into fines if they can prove a tow was going over the limit. I remember years ago, there were even different, lower limits for night driving on many roads.

[jjackflash]

Have you ever tried to stop 15,000 pounds pushing you from the rear at 70 or 80 miles an hour ? Try it!

[Dam Worker]

I think as stated above, towing only. 45' motor home does not have to go 55 MPH unless towing. Any type of trailer is regulated to 55 MPH. Makes lots of sense to California law makers, does not make sense to me. I was warned by a CHIP's officer years ago as he passed me doing around 60/65 MPH, luckily he pulled the car over that just blew by me.

Tom Marty

[dieselguy]

Although I don't tow over 65 mph ... you see semis and other RV's running 70 or so every day in the Midwest, so 15,000 plus pounds must be capable of being stopped cause you don't see all that many RV accidents attributed to speed in the papers or news.

[Eagleback]

Michigan is trucks 55 all other 75 in the rural areas on the interstates.

[bethandkevin]

[quote]Originally posted by jjackflash

Have you ever tried to stop 15,000 pounds pushing you from the rear at 70 or 80 miles an hour ? Try it!
[/quo


I may be missing the gist of your comment. However, if you are feeling pushed by that 15,000 pound trailer behind you, you don't have your brakes set properly. I have never, I repeat never felt pushed by the Montana behind me. The trailer brakes stop the trailer-as they should and don't "push" my truck. Before anyone jumps all over me for being an over-confident tower, I've never been even close to a near miss or a situation where I didn't think I could stop in time. Towing at 55 MPH or heaven forbid 70-80 MPH, shouldn't matter if you are aware of your surroundings and plan for your "out" as we were all taught in driver's training-whether towing or not.

I'll step off the soapbox now.

[JandC]

For years Illinois was 55mph for anything towing. In other words, if your VW bug was pulling a 4' trailer your limit was 55mph, or it you were pulling a double-bottom weighing 80,000 pounds down the interstate you were limited the same 55mph. On the other hand cars could go 65.

That all changed a couple of years ago.

[DQDick]

I tow at about 62mph, mainly because I respect the restrictions on the side of my tires.

[Capt Kidd]

I would not want to count on the CHP not enforcing the 55 limit. I see them pulling over trucks all the time for not following the 55 limit.

Even in other states with higher limits I drive 60. Better mileage and you get there all most as soon.

[jjackflash]

[quote]quote:Originally posted by bethandkevin

Originally posted by jjackflash

Have you ever tried to stop 15,000 pounds pushing you from the rear at 70 or 80 miles an hour ? Try it!
[/quo


I may be missing the gist of your comment. However, if you are feeling pushed by that 15,000 pound trailer behind you, you don't have your brakes set properly. I have never, I repeat never felt pushed by the Montana behind me. The trailer brakes stop the trailer-as they should and don't "push" my truck. Before anyone jumps all over me for being an over-confident tower, I've never been even close to a near miss or a situation where I didn't think I could stop in time. Towing at 55 MPH or heaven forbid 70-80 MPH, shouldn't matter if you are aware of your surroundings and plan for your "out" as we were all taught in driver's training-whether towing or not.

I'll step off the soapbox now.

I drove semi's professionally for 20 years and you wouldn't believe the things I've see.
When I made the statement pushing I met hitting the brakes at 70/80 miles an hour.
At that speed I think you would have a problem keeping that trailer straight.
I stick between 60/62 MPH.
BTW,have you ever had some one cut in front of you and hit their brakes,good luck at 80 miles an hour!

[pkbridges77]

But why 55? Doesn't it create less hazard when all traffic is moving at about the same speed? If a state has 75 for vehicles and 55 for trailers, that gets close to creating an obstruction at an unsafe closure rate, IMHO.

[mlh]

I drive for conditions. I might drive 55 in a urban area. On I 80 or 90 in Wyoming I don't mind mulling my camper at 80. There is no chance of someone pulling out of stoping in front of you. There is no body in front of you for a half mile or more. If California says you can only pull at 55 that is their law. We see notices all the time that says The state of California has deturmined that,,,,,,,, Its California.
Lynwood

[pkbridges77]

quote:Originally posted by mlh

,,,,,,,, Its California.
Lynwood

Good point Lynwood that's where I'm FROM and never looked back.

[7.3Ford]

I am 4th generation Californian. California has always had the 55 MPH limit for any vehicle towing, even before Jimmy Carter lowered the speed limit.

I got a ticket once for going to slow, and I was driving the speed limit... Only in California.

[Art-n-Marge]

I tow in California all the time. I try and drive at least 55 but it's a struggle if lots of hills are involved. On flat stints I try and keep it between 62 and 65 because that's when my truck runs it's best RPMs and the MPGs are best. Fortunately, I am passed by EVERYTHING (cars, other towers, semis, etc., even CHIPs or other LEOS) so I think as long as I'm not zooming past others I will be left alone.

[Eagleback]

[quote]quote:Originally posted by jjackflash

quote:Originally posted by bethandkevin

I drove semi's professionally for 20 years and you wouldn't believe the things I've see.
When I made the statement pushing I met hitting the brakes at 70/80 miles an hour.
At that speed I think you would have a problem keeping that trailer straight.
I stick between 60/62 MPH.
BTW,have you ever had some one cut in front of you and hit their brakes,good luck at 80 miles an hour!

Ex truck driver here also and i Do Agree with the people cutting you off. 55 to 60 for me also. I timed it once over a 300 mile non stop trip and the difference between the time going 60 and then 70 was about 15 to 20 min. WHY RISK YOUR LIFE and the people around you.

[Justme44]

I tow at 60 ... so 55 just take a bit longer to get there ... now in a car 55 drove me mad ... if you remember a few years back.