Careful Driving Saves Gasoline—But Not in America
Monday May 7, 2007
Despite skyrocketing gasoline prices, Americans have been slow to alter their behavior in ways that might lower their gasoline consumption and save them money, but some other countries are taking a different approach.
Starting in 2008, not only will new drivers in Britain be required to parallel park and execute an emergency stop, they will also have to demonstrate “eco-driving” skills to show they can save fuel. The government has already started to train truck and van drivers to use less gasoline.
The British plan is similar to actions taken in other countries, such as the Netherlands where officials estimate that drivers who alter their driving habits can cut their gasoline consumption by nearly a third.
Driving for Fuel Economy
Student drivers in the UK will be taught driving habits that use less gasoline, such as braking sooner and accelerating more slowly. According to The Observer, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling wants eco-driving “to become as much a part of learning to drive as the three-point turn or checking your mirrors. Small changes like this can make a big difference to the effect drivers have on the environment.”
The British plan was welcomed by environmentalists, but critics are expected to dismiss the initiative as ineffective when compared to higher gasoline taxes intended to curb consumption. For one thing, only 700,000 new drivers passed their test in 2004, compared to 30 million licensed drivers who would not be affected by the new testing requirements.
Americans Complain about Gas Prices but Fail to Take Action
Meanwhile, according to The Wall Street Journal, Americans are complaining about gasoline prices, but they aren’t doing much about them. Sales of gas-guzzling SUVs are down, but sales of low-mileage luxury cars are up. Some drivers have switched from premium to mid-grade gasoline, but they aren’t buying less.
At current prices, many American drivers still find gasoline affordable, even if overpriced and inconvenient. And even those who don’t have few options. The growth of suburban communities has made driving an economic and logistical necessity for many Americans, and public transportation in most U.S. communities is either severely limited or unavailable.
Additional Reading:
Starting in 2008, not only will new drivers in Britain be required to parallel park and execute an emergency stop, they will also have to demonstrate “eco-driving” skills to show they can save fuel. The government has already started to train truck and van drivers to use less gasoline.
The British plan is similar to actions taken in other countries, such as the Netherlands where officials estimate that drivers who alter their driving habits can cut their gasoline consumption by nearly a third.
Driving for Fuel Economy
Student drivers in the UK will be taught driving habits that use less gasoline, such as braking sooner and accelerating more slowly. According to The Observer, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling wants eco-driving “to become as much a part of learning to drive as the three-point turn or checking your mirrors. Small changes like this can make a big difference to the effect drivers have on the environment.”
The British plan was welcomed by environmentalists, but critics are expected to dismiss the initiative as ineffective when compared to higher gasoline taxes intended to curb consumption. For one thing, only 700,000 new drivers passed their test in 2004, compared to 30 million licensed drivers who would not be affected by the new testing requirements.
Americans Complain about Gas Prices but Fail to Take Action
Meanwhile, according to The Wall Street Journal, Americans are complaining about gasoline prices, but they aren’t doing much about them. Sales of gas-guzzling SUVs are down, but sales of low-mileage luxury cars are up. Some drivers have switched from premium to mid-grade gasoline, but they aren’t buying less.
At current prices, many American drivers still find gasoline affordable, even if overpriced and inconvenient. And even those who don’t have few options. The growth of suburban communities has made driving an economic and logistical necessity for many Americans, and public transportation in most U.S. communities is either severely limited or unavailable.
Additional Reading:
- Exxon Mobil Profits While Consumers Pay
- New U.S. Fuel Economy Standards Too Weak to be Effective
- Sales of Honda's New Natural Gas-Powered Car Pick Up Speed as Fuel Prices Accelerate
- Traditional vs Plug-in Hybrid Cars
- The Great American Streetcar Scandal
- U.S. Autos Account for Half of Global Warming Linked to Cars Worldwide
Comments
i’m a learner driver in england myself, and my teacher has already getting new drivers to drive eco, which is great, if it will save fuel and money!
I think many U.S drivers have indeed changed their driving habits.
My family has had no choice. We have drastically changed the way we drive. We stay home 98% of the time on weekends,drive when we have too,and ride share as much as possible.
The families I know have done the same.
I have noticed the press does not write articles or show news coverage on this.
Keep an eye on your driving!
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American drivers who have taken junior high science class should know about “inertia”. But most don’t seem to know how it applies to driving. I see a red light ahead, I stop accelerating, hoping not to touch my brake. Other drivers will accelerate right up to a red stoplight and then brake hard. So much gas is wasted. Then there are the ones wasting gas idling in a fast food drive-thru or a car wash when they know they will not be moving for over a minute. Why is this education stressed by SOMEONE. PLEASE.