At least according to a what I THINK was a tongue-in-cheek remark regarding a new report on the slowest "states" in the USA> Study: Oregon drivers among nation's slowest (and that's probably a good thing) | OregonLive.com
I routinely vacationed from Elko NV to Bellingham WA for 14 years; the Oregon Police were the least forgiving of speeding. I can't help but think that is going to slow Oregon drivers some. I do not think I have been anywhere with more rigorously enforced speed limits. (or lower Speed Limits, but that may have changed in the last 13 years)
On the way to work last night going south on US 75 in Dallas there were 3 Prius (Prii ) side by side...for a few moments. A Gen II in lane one going appx 80 mph, myself in lane two going 75 and lane three another Gen III going appx 70 mpg. Speed limit is 65 mpg and there was lots of traffic. Garden communities maybe, but going 55 mpg on our freeways is not safe. Prius still gets better mpg relative and actual either way you look at it, so go with the flow and keep it safe...for everyone.
According to the story, Oregon drivers driver faster than those in DC, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the same as in Montana. And it doesn't distinguish between open rural freeways, winding backroads, residential streets, and urban congestion and traffic jams. All are averaged together. So I'll take this mostly as an indicator of congestion in Portland.
DC is running the city budget off of speed cameras...like $300 fine per infraction. Since I drive half fast, I try to take the Metro (subway) into DC!!
When I lived in the LA and SF areas the traffic moved much faster...when it wasn't "rush" hour that is.
