INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL

In a July 3rd editorial states: "One study found that reducing speeds from 75 mph to 65 mph resulted in a savings of 20 cents per gallon...Is 12 minutes worth the additional cost of 5 miles per gallon?"

WATCHDOG: Without taking sides, let's test the economics.

From the point of view of someone who earns $15 per hour, 8 minutes is worth $3. His or her employer computes the cost of employees by a multiple of 150% to cover benefits and company overhead so, at $22.50, 8 minutes is worth $4.50.

Ordinary professionals charge perhaps $75 for their time, so that 8 minutes is worth $15. Doctors and lawyers and other top specialist bill at say $175 per hour, so 8 minutes is worth $35 an hour.

When two or more adults travel together, the cost can double or triple

More efficient motors in smaller cars along with improved public transportation may be a better solution than slowing down the economy.

Incidentally, the figures presented do not pass the Watchdog's sniff test, at least as they apply to a typical new car, say a Chevy Impala. Since many cars now show the instantaneous measurement of gas consumption per hour, try speeding up from 65 to 75 on a level stretch of road to see if the amount of miles per gallon actually drops by ten miles. If it does, please drop us a note!