High gas prices may force drivers to slow down -- right in the back yard of the big three domestic automakers.

The Detroit Free Press reports that some Michigan officials "have floated an idea tossed out a few years ago like bad 1970s bell-bottoms: reducing speed limits to conserve fuel." Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) hasn't embraced or rejected the notion, and Michigan lawmakers have not moved to adjust their state's highway speed limits -- but Democrats in the state's legislature have "introduced a resolution calling on Congress to reinstitute the national 55-m.p.h. speed limit implemented during the 1970s oil crisis."

Driving 55 instead of 70 is a proven way to increase gas mileage, but statistics show that few drivers in Michigan are slowing down on their own.  "The average speeds at nine spots around Metro Detroit actually rose from August 2007 to June, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation," reports the Detroit News. 

Similar measures are under consideration elsewhere.  The News notes, "A National Conference of State Legislatures scan of pending bills shows legislation has been introduced in Alabama calling for reducing highway speeds to conserve on gas. Bills also have been introduced in Minnesota and Vermont to lower speed limits on highways to 55 mph."

Motor Trend comments, "Speed freaks across the nation will no doubt be watching the developments in Michigan closely."

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