Victory Speed

In World War Two everyone on the “homefront” was expected to make sacrifices to win the war.  Everything from personal liberties to everyday commodities were removed entirely or rationed. One area was the rationing of gasoline and tires.  You were not expected to Pleasure drive and if your driving was considered “nonessential” you were issued an “A” sticker for your windshield which restricted you to three or four gallons of gas per week.  If you used the vehicle to drive back and forth to work you were entitled to a “B” sticker which would get you 8 gallons of gas per week.   

Since the Japanese had cut off the supply of crude rubber and 90% of the US rubber supply came from that section of the world strict rationing of tires went into effect. You were only allowed five tires for your vehicle and those five were expected to last for the length of entire war. Anything over five you had was donated to the rubber scrap drive. 

In order to ensure less gas was used and less rubber used up in tire wear in May of 1942 through August of 1945 the government mandated “Victory Speed” which was a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour.  If you were found to be speeding at over 35 mph you were brought before the War Price and rationing board who might well take away you’re rationing coupons for gas and tires. Also your name would be posted in the local newspapers as an offender.

The Victory Speed limits signs that were posted were made of Masonite board or plastic instead of metal, reflecting the need to conserve metal. They would vary state to state, those in Maryland would have a Red Victory with the rest of the lettering black and a white background

Since this was a rural farming area many people brought their horse and wagon out to use for errands. Carson Robison brought out this song to the tune of the Old Grey Mare.