That’s basically the message being put forth by our own (Colorado’s) Bill Ritter and California’s Governator in the form of the ecodrivingusa program.
Apparently, there is a significant movement under way (following a European lead) to educate road-going morons in several obvious areas of automotive efficiency. These revelations include mechanical areas like the importance of tune ups, tire pressure, air filters, as well as behavioral factors like tailgaiting, jackrabbit starts, drag racing, interstate demolition derby, and parking lot donuts…
I am clearly approaching this with heavy sarcasm, but that is not because I disagree with the initiative. It’s just that I have a well developed disdain for idiots on the road, and this is stuff that most people should already know! In a country and culture so firmly centered on the automobile, how can there be so many people using up to 50% more fuel than necessary, and then bitching about gas prices…? I know…stupid question.
At any rate, if this program helps reduce fuel consumption, then it is probably worth some portion of my tax dollars – even if it’s stuff people should already know. In fairness, I should also point out the the program has a focus on reducing CO emmissions, not just reducing fuel consumption for whiners.
The website also includes a handy calculator so you can see how much of a violator you are…
