I always thought $3/gal would have scared the country to death. But it’s funny how John Q public accepts a new plateau. Now a $4/gal step would introduce shock for awhile, truck drivers would threaten a national strike, politicians and the news media would make a BIG deal about it for several months, and many people with gas guzzlers would put them up for sale. But the vast majority of people would continue their aggressive driving styles, and remain totally ignorant about fuel conservation techniques. People are in just too big a hurry.

IMO, the few people who take note and alter driving styles, at least for awhile, will eventually return to the same gas guzzling driving habits they have today. People would complain, and then drive with the pedal to the metal, stomp on the brakes to stop, and complain why their cars get ‘poor mileage’, but do nothing to correct their driving habits. That’s sad. We should be bombarded with public service announcements on TV about driving styles and techniques, and try to educate the country.

I’d personally wouldn’t object to a national 55mph speed limit, and have it strictly enforced. How would you do that: Every state adopt a $1000 fine, 1st offense, and a $2000 fine and a 3-month revocation of license on 2nd offense. I don’t think you would see a 3d offense.

And why do I advocate revocation of license. In Great Britain for instance, they discovered that the wealthy folks were oblivious to strict drinking/driving and speeding laws if the only penalty was a huge fine. But losing their driving license was a big deal. So combine the two penalties.

This would do more to save fuel than a fleet of hybrid or small engine cars, but I would love to see a trend toward smaller, lighter, LESS powerful cars for the driving masses. Cars that weigh < 2000 lbs, have a 80hp, 3 or 4 cyl engine, coupled with a 5 or 6sp manual transmission, with a low coefficient of drag, can easily get 50mph or more on the highway, even if it’s not a hybrid. Imagine what small hybrids and/or PHEV’s could do?