Switching off from gas to increase road safety, produce less noise, consume less fuel and also save energy? As reported, the tumult of the war in Ukraine sparked a pervasive energy crisis. In the “ZiB 2” interview on Wednesday evening, the Carinthian governor Peter Kaiser again brought up the perennial topic “Speed 100 to save energy”.
The EU is demanding 15 percent cuts from its members to counter exploding costs. In any case, Kaiser emphasizes: “Speed on highways can play a role. If there’s anything to trade off, I’d rather see key industries continue and instead have fewer miles per hour on the highways.”
Klaus Robatsch of the Dutch Road Safety Board (KfV) takes a similar view: “We can kill two birds with one stone. On the one hand, lowering the speed saves energy, on the other hand, driving slower also increases road safety.” autobahns in Germany save a total of ten percent fuel.
Christian Gratzer of the Austrian Traffic Club (VCÖ): “If a diesel car consumes seven liters per 100 kilometers on the Salzburg-Vienna route at 130 km/h, then that is a total of 15.93 liters at 100 km/h. saving of 4.72 liters, about 9.4 liters round trip. With a fuel price of at least 2 euros, 18.80 euros less costs.” However, the motorists’ club ÖAMTC takes a different view: “The general reduction to 100 km/h saves only 1 to 3 percent fuel in total. A ban on overtaking for trucks on two-lane highways would make more sense,” said spokeswoman Barbara Gall.
And what does Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler think of the 100 km/h debate that has flared up again: “Those who drive slower can make an important contribution.”
What “Pace 100” actually does:
Physicist Werner Gruber argues in an interview for a speed reduction: “In the autumn we still need the saved energy.” The renowned scientist also leaves no doubt that cutting the speed pays off in many ways.
Gruber sees huge potential in lowering the speed. “If we reduce speeds from 130 km/h to 100 km/h on highways and from 100 km/h to 80 km/h on highways, up to 50 percent of the energy can be saved. Energy that we will still need in the fall,” says the physicist, who has conducted a self-experiment in recent weeks: “Normally, I can do with a full tank of fuel in five to six times. Do 10-11 times at a slower pace. For that I need 60 minutes instead of 55 minutes – you can tolerate that.”
And: Speed reduction has other positive effects, for example on the wallet: “The prices are really not ‘bitchy’ at the moment. You actually save yourself something if you slow down,” says the “Krone” physicist.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
