This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

If we change freeway speed limits to 80 mph, we'll get there sooner and won't have to breathe that polluted air as long, right?

We like to point fingers at industry when assigning blame for the polluted atmosphere, but each of us who drives contributes as well, and those of us who drive 80 mph contribute more than those who drive 55.

While individual vehicles vary, the references I found suggest that optimum mileage is achieved at about 55 mph. Take a deep breath and think about it.

Andy White

Holladay