I think this movie definitely shows the unpopularity of the federally mandated 55 mph speed limit back then.
Gas may be $4+ /gallon here in states but there is no shortage and no need to re-federalize the speed limit to 55. If you want to drive at 55 that is your right but keep it a state issue.
I was born and raised where this movie was filmed. I also was using a CB radio years beforehand. Yeah, we HATED the whole 55 MPH thing. And yeah, while we`re at it, my father drove one of the trucks in the movie. They hired quite a few locals.
The gas prices we`re feeling right now are the result of speculation, not shortage. Those that had the money to buy futures made a fapping killing. Now they have even more money than they did before. Bastards.