Quote:
Originally Posted by KenE
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.
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?
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I read an article recently about many cars that got 50mpg in the 80's: the Honda CRX, VW Rabbit, Ford Fiesta, etc. The problem is with more stringent safety regulations, these cars could never now be sold in the US. Safety equipment that started out as optional and for the high-end market (like airbags, ABS, traction control) typically becomes mandated equipment on all vehicles within a decade's time.
I don't know about a 55mph speed limit though. Sometimes in my car I've been able to get up to 72mph on a flat grade with no wind and still be well above 50mpg. It is possible sometimes to have your cake and eat it too.
We should be bombarded with public service announcements about driving techniques I agree. And I think the problem may just be ignorance and not driver nonchalance. My last car didn't have an instant mpg meter and I know from my current one that the way I was driving it was probably very suboptimal for fuel efficiency.