SHUT UP AND DRIVE! Why new laws should not apply to young people.
Using a cell phone without hands-free equipment while driving is now unlawful. However, studies show that hands-free driving isn't necessarily any safer than having a cell phone glued to your ear, and that simply talking on any phone is as dangerous as driving drunk. Yet oddly, talking to a fellow passenger while driving or listening to the radio does not seem to be a significant cause of accidents. Why? Is it possible that driving poorly while talking on the phone is a function of age? More.
From hybrids to gas hogs, blame and solutions for the gas crisis
An understanding of vehicle options in the next few years
By Jeff Church
There is plenty of blame to go around for the gas crisis. We still have not reached the gas line crisis as we did in 1973 and 1978 (oh how soon we forget) but I think those days are coming. With events in the Middle East and Venezuela they could come at any moment.
We, as consumers, must look in the mirror. In the 1980's we had the CRX, Chevette, Metro and other cars that got over 50 mpg. My 1985 Honda CRX never got below 50 mpg and did get over 60 on occasion! Not even a current hybrid can do that!
We not only look at who killed the electric car but what happened to the Honda Insight hybrid? It did get up to 70 mpg. You never saw it advertised and they never added any upgrades. You could not test drive one and none were on dealer lots. Later models were never submitted to the California Air Resources Board for approval for carpool lanes! They were discontinued in 2006.
Why do the gas companies raise prices and rake in record profits? For that answer I looked at my dog and found the answer. They do it because they can. I think they also realize this is their last hurrah. They realize that 100 mpg hybrids and alternative fuel cars are on the horizon and this is their last chance to take full advantage. A dollar a gallon for a car that gets 20 mpg would seem to generate the same profit as $3 a gallon for a car that gets 60 mpg.
Again, we as consumers continue to buy gas guzzlers. I am amazed when I see these large vehicles with new temp plates. When I was car shopping and gas was $2 a gallon a salesman told me, "Oh gas is gong to go down" and people believe that!
Many drivers say they want safe vehicles which they think means big. However my sisters' economy Pontiac Vibe (same as Toyota Matrix) has a 5 star safety rating for side and front impact. Some of the bigger vehicles like SUVs are shown to be far less safe. Consumers need to at least sit inside some of these smaller vehicles. They may be quite surprised how roomy they are.
So one problem we face is that super economy cars are coming "next year". Next year keeps coming and going but it does look like they are coming soon. I keep driving a 40 mpg 2001 Saturn because I keep waiting for the break through car.
For those wanting or needing a big vehicle, Ford's 150 pick up may be coming with a propane conversion option through an independent company. When the gas crisis comes they can waive at the Prius's in the gas lines and be even cleaner for the environment. Still at $2-3 a gallon for propane, they won't be cheap to drive. There are a few companies that will convert for you. Las Vegas runs its taxi cabs on propane (Ford engine similar to F150). Why there are not more entrepreneurs doing this, I don't know. The problem I have is if they are not local, how do you get service?
Too many people think that a car that gets 25 mpg is an economy car- bull. Mileage in the mid 20's is not good but there are cars out there like the Malibu, Impala, and the Chrysler 300 that do at least get that- but only if you get the smaller engine. 25 mpg is certainly better than 19 mpg. The Chrysler has a variable cylinder system to deliver not bad mileage for such a large vehicle that also comes in all wheel drive (AWD).
While not as clean, outside California, various cars and SUVs are reportedly going diesel (and much cleaner than previous diesels) with higher mpg including the Jetta, Nissan Maxima, Jeep and others. Allegedly coming in late 2008 is a 45-50 mpg 50 state certified Jetta diesel. I'll believe it when I see it. I'm told there is a bio diesel station in San Diego at I-15 and El Cajon Blvd.
Some of the so alleged economy cars offer disappointing gas mileage. The tiny Aveo tops out at 37 mpg like the Hyundai Accent. Ford is showing some improvement on their Focus which reportedly not only gets 37 mpg but be PZEV (super clean). 37 is still not good compared to the older Saturns, 1990's Neon, and others that are no longer made.
ULEV means ultra low emission vehicle. PZEV means Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, SULEV means Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. While it doesn't make sense some of the low polluting cars still don't get great gas mileage. So when shopping you may want to look at both factors and determine what's important to you.
Better yet, the Mazda 2 if it comes to be in the US is reported to have a 1.3 engine and get over 50 mpg. The BMW Mini is receiving advanced technology to allegedly get close to 60 mpg!
The one I am really hopeful about is the GM/ Chevrolet Volt, hybrid-electric- plug in due in 2009 or later. If it can happen, it may get you your first 40 miles free (electric) and then over 50 mpg. Remember it is not really free because your electric bill will go up but consider solar panels to off set that. Current batteries could be affected by cold so San Diego and L.A. are good climates for this type car.
Here's my solution to the manufacturers. Go into the vault and find the 1983 plans for the Honda CRX and build it! Surely if they can build it in 1983 @ 55 mpg they can add a few technology improvements to offset the weight of front and side airbags and build it again.
If you look at European cars you'll see there are plenty of cars out there, gas and diesel, that currently get over 50 mpg. US safety regulations add a lot of weight. The Mazda 2 if it comes to be in the US is reported to have a 1.3 engine and get over 50 mpg. The BMW Mini is receiving advanced technology to allegedly get close to 60 mpg! So if I understand this correctly, you can buy a motorcycle and cyclist death rates are skyrocketing from older or inexperienced drivers trying to save money. Further, children can even ride on motorcycles but we can't give the consumer the option on all the added car weight.
Many studies show that electrical drains on hybrids or electrics, especially air conditioning can dramatically lower mileage maybe up to 50%. Also, the colder the outside temperature, the more the drain. So these plug in cars (HEV's) may not be good in real hot climates like Arizona or real cold northern climates.
A company in Ontario, California (Phoenix Motor Cars) is working on an electric small car and truck. It is reportedly due out in production "soon". They have partnered with a Reno company called "Altairnano". They reportedly have made major breakthroughs in (Nanosafe) batteries. They allow quick charging and could even charge during low grid peak times overnight and feed back into the grid during peak periods if not in use. Problems remain including cost and if break through occur; expect big companies and the military to get first option so it could be a while before they trickle down to consumers.
100% electric may be a good option for those who own 2 cars; one for the electric commute and the other for longer trips or the whole family. Might be nice is an electric truck could have a small generator in the bed to charge the batteries if you find yourself "stranded".
The Chinese made and US available ZAP quasi car/3 wheeled enclosed cycle/ pick up is interesting and would be better if the next generation batteries come out as anticipated. Nothing new is cheap though.
Perhaps the way of the future will be the plug in hybrids. Your first 10-100 miles would be "free" (electric) then the motor would kick in. You recharge at work and return home. Reportedly a number of companies have already developed the technology to upgrade some hybrids as plug ins. This begs the question if outside companies can do it, why can't GM, Toyota and others?
Other makers and after market companies are studying other technological improvements. Ford is looking to greatly improve on their Escape SUV hybrid from the present 30 mpg averages.
To promote these we really need the state and local government to step up with breaks including reduced DMV fees, carpool lane privileges, and other incentives.
A comment on the Prius, until we have these incentives and breaks for cars like the Prius, it is a bad bet. While it gives a personal good feeling to drive an economical and ULEV, the extra sales price, sales tax, annual registration and insurance will not off set the savings over a standard economy car like the Toyota Corolla. On the other hand, like buying an HDTV ready set, the Prius should be first in line when break through batteries are available. Gives us back our carpool stickers!
So what does the future hold? In the next 10 years I think the best solution is all solutions; ethanol in the Midwest, bio-diesel when possible for some, electric, propane, hybrids, plug in hybrids, and just higher mpg cars. There is not enough of any of these to serve everyone nationwide but little by little we can each do our part.
Those with big fleets such as local government, taxis, and other big companies should be pressured to utilize these alternatives. New York City is getting their taxi's to go hybrid and Las Vegas has converted their taxi fleet to propane. Much of the change can be mandated at the local level.
The hydrogen cars will be here sometime too and will likely start in major cities, especially those with air pollution problems. Hydrogen refueling stations will grow slowly but if we can get them in various big cities, bit by bit they can happen.
When you consider these alternatives coming, hopefully in the next few years, you can understand why the gas companies are making their last gasp.
More information may be found at various websites including:
www.whokilledtheelectriccar.com
San Diego drivers can use the Mobile Call Box Program and dial 511 for roadside assistance
If you're driving on San Diego's busy freeways or highways and have a mechanical failure, help is now a quick call away. The Mobile Call Box Program is now operational for cell phone users. Just dial 511 for roadside assistance.
The publicly funded program was recently launched by the San Diego Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE).
Applause for the President's decision to become a commuter
There's been a lot of hand-wringing lately about the President's decision on July Second, 2007. Being a dog, it is difficult for me to read the newspaper, but my understanding is that the "Decider" has become a "Commuter."
I say this is a good thing. As America faces the highest gasoline prices of any generation in U.S. history, it is more important than ever for our leaders to set a good example. Nothing should gladden the hearts of Americans more than to see our finest citizen taking the bus to Capital Hill.
I for one, look forward to seeing George Bush going about his regular "commutes." Personally, I hope he will set a really good example by dumping his gas-guzzling Chevy Silverado in favor of a fuel-efficient hybrid car, or an ultra gas-miserly and oh-so-stylish Smart Car.
While some are sure to sniff at the president's decision, it's a safe bet that George Bush will be doing more and more commuting in the near future. Whether the "W" is in the White House or the Dog house, the "Commuter" is a "top dog" with me.
Avoid auto fraud: When can sellers cancel a car dealership financed contract?
This week's special guest blogger is Greg Babbitt, an associate at the law firm of Rosner & Mansfield specializing in auto fraud. The topic: a car dealer's right to cancel dealership financed contracts. And yes, they can. But, consumers have rights too. Make sure you know what they are the next time you're at a dealership. Read more.
Why now might be the best time to buy a hybrid car
Just a year or two ago, consumers were paying premiums of thousands of dollars and ignoring desired options to simply purchase a hybrid car. Today, manufacturers of fuel-efficient hybrid cars are giving big incentives, including low interest financing options and price discounts, to sell the hybrids. Coupled with federal tax incentives, if you've been interested in better insulating yourself from fluctuating gas prices by buying a hybrid, the time might be right. Read this post to find out why.
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