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…
didn’t reducing the speed limit in the 70′s to 55mph drop gas consumption some ridiculous (25-50%) amount?
I, for one, would love to drive down I-25 to Denver and not worry about arseholes going 85-100 riding my ass when I’m doing a healthy 75-85 in the right lane. I sometimes fear for me and my children on the interstate….and I’m no pussy driver.
Wouldn’t reducing speed help gas mileage and save lives?
(rant mode on) I have driven this whole state and entered it from *every* bordering state and only fear for my safety between Ft. Collins and Co. Spgs. on I-25 and Denver and Silverthorne on I-70. WTF???
Am I getting old and crochety, or does anyone else feel similar??
You may have a point there…
I don’t mind when people drive fast (85-90) on the interstate, as long as they’re not being idiots and the traffic is light enough to get away with it. Unfortunately, it usually doesn’t happen that way.
And you’re right; I-25 is the worst.
It definately saves some fuel. I have limited myself to 65 in the XJ, and my milage on dino has climbed from 15-16 to 18-19mpg (unfortunately, the change on E85 is not as significant).
I am all for throwing the book at a-holes, but more laws making safe and lawabiding drivers drive exhorbitantly slow wont stop those same a-holes from speeding and driving recklessly — they’re going 90 whether the speedlimit is 55 or 80…