Stay Alive — Drive 55.

The slogan was introduced in 1974 to support the National Maximum Speed Law, which was repealed in 1995.

While the initiative prevented millions of crashes and traffic deaths, it was also in response to an oil crisis.

The law, part of the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act and signed by President Richard Nixon, forced states to agree to the limit if they wanted to receive federal funding for highway repairs.

The thinking was that cars that went slower — 55 miles per hour — use their fuel more efficiently. The goal then was to save 4% of America's consumption of oil.

Butler County residents driving in the 1970s remember the long lines at the gas stations and panicked motorists as they faced a shortage of gas.

In 1974, then Pennsylvania Gov. Milton Shapp tried to follow several other states with a plan to institute an odd or even rationing system based on license places and calendar days of the week. The voluntary plan was largely ignored by those filling their tank at a price of 53 cents per gallon, according to the website energy.gov.

Oil started flowing again and the crisis ended.

The second shock set off by another crisis over oil was in 1979. Gas was 86 cents a gallon and Gov. Dick Thornburgh mandated that drivers had to purchase at least $5 worth of gas at each fill up to reduce the long lines from those topping off their tanks. Motorists were also mandated to follow the odd-even rationing system.

Following the 1979 shortage, the price of gas rose with the national average for a gallon topping $1 for the first time in 1980, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Today we are faced with another oil crisis. The situation is different in origin. Other nations are not withholding oil. There are not long lines at the pump.

There is, however, sticker stock. Many motorists are taking a huge financial hit just to hit the road for work or, finally in this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel.

So drivers, once again, must take steps to make it through an oil crisis.

We urge county residents to remember the lessons of conservation from the past.

If you are not on an interstate highway, slow down — follow the speed limit. According to the Department of Energy, a vehicle's gas mileage typically decreases at speeds over 50 mph. That heavy foot puts an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas on the bill for every additional 5 mph.

Use a few other proven tactics. When you run errands, plan multiple stops for one trip. Carpool if possible to work or social activities, such as your children's sporting events.

Auto experts reminded readers in the Butler Eagle's spring car care section that properly inflated tires improve gas mileage, as well as routine maintenance like proper alignment and replacing spark plugs.

Even how you drive can help. Experts recommend avoiding situations where you slam on the brakes or rabbit start at traffic lights.

These are small modifications, but ones that can make a difference in more than just your pocketbook.

— DJS