speedometer question

This is silly and I never thought about it before until today. On my 89 cavalier, the speedometer gauge is white except for the 55 mph line. Its orange. Every other marker is white but the 55. Any reason for this?

Most cars from the 80's have 55 highlighted. It was the national speed limit for years.

oh wow that was not during my time >.< i was born in 86 ha. and to think the speed limit in indiana has gone up to 70.

oh wow that was not during my time >.< i was born in 86 ha. and to think the speed limit in indiana has gone up to 70.

Know your history :)

The 55 limit came about in 1974 and was the law for 22 years. It was controversial and many thought it was an unreasonable infringement of the federal government into the jurisdiction of state law.

This is a good analysis of the subject:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_nickel

Just think about how much money was generated in speeding fines by the 55mph speed limit.
I contributed my fair share to the state of NJ during that time.