python357
09-30-2005, 05:30 PM
Simple Measures Could Make Big Difference in Gas Consumption
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Madison, Wisconsin, September 12, 2005 — In the wake of Hurricane Katrina gasoline prices have hit a record high, which has prompted a public outcry for the government to “do something.” Federal and state officials can do much to reduce gasoline consumption, and in turn, the price of gas, by simply implementing existing regulations and enforcing laws already on the books.
<o:p></o:p>
The key to success is to work with, rather than against, motorists. With this in mind, there are several opportunities to reduce gasoline consumption, without resorting to rationing schemes or heavy-handed price controls:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
· Set Reasonable Speed Limits – Federal Research has shown that speed limits have little effect on actual travel speeds. They do, however, influence the traffic flow. Speed limits that reflect the speeds most motorists are driving promote smooth traffic flow, which results in less gas being used. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
· Synchronize Traffic Signals – The Institute of Transportation Engineers recently graded controlled intersections in the United States. Overall, they gave the nation a “D-” for traffic signal operation and maintenance. In addition to the safety implications, this poor state of affairs also highlights significant lost opportunities for improving traffic flow and reducing fuel consumption. In 2003, the City of San Jose, California started to coordinate its traffic lights. By altering the timing on just a third of the city’s stoplights, traffic delays were reduced 33 percent and average travel time was reduced 16 percent. The city has also estimated that the $500,000 project saves 471,000 gallons of gasoline each year. <o:p></o:p>
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· Properly Install Stop Signs – Stop signs are intended to control right-of-way at intersections, not slow traffic or discourage motorists from taking a certain route. Improper stop signs increased noise, increase emissions, and gas usage. Confining stop sign installations to locations where traffic volume or intersection conditions make them necessary would save the public money on signs and gas. <o:p></o:p>
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-More-<o:p></o:p>
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Simple Measures (Page 2)<o:p></o:p>
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· Promote and Enforce Lane Courtesy – Lane courtesy, the practice of yielding the left lane to faster moving traffic, strongly influences highway safety, traffic flow, congestion, and the entire driving environment. Disregarding lane courtesy creates more congestion, and in turn, it contributes to speed fluctuations, both of which reduce the gas mileage vehicles receive and increase overall fuel consumption. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Setting responsible speed limits; synchronizing traffic lights, and properly installing stop signs can all be encouraged by very modest changes in federal and state policies. All three issues are covered in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This manual sets the standards for all traffic control devices in the United States. Complying with the MUTCD is a condition for qualifying for federal highway funds, but enforcement of MUTCD requirements and standards is rare. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The agency responsible for oversight, the Federal Highway Administration, does not have the manpower or ability to oversee the millions of traffic control devices. To aid with compliance, any individual or organization should be able to petition a state court to correct an MUTCD violation. Giving citizens the right to enforce these basic standards would allow for improved traffic flow, and in turn, would reduce the gas wasted each year by traffic control devices that do not comply with the MUTCD standards.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Lane courtesy is not mentioned in the MUTCD, but the majority of states already have laws tat require slower moving traffic to yield the left lane. The need only to be enforced by police agencies. Then all motorists will be able to save time and gas because of improved traffic flow. At the same time, those few states that lack lane courtesy laws should pass such legislation.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
“Most people would be amazed by the fuel savings that could occur if laws and regulations already on the books would simply be enforced,” said Eric Skrum, NMA Communications Director. “There was never a good excuse to ignore these requirements, and in light of current gas prices, there is an urgent need to implement traffic control recommendations and enforce lane courtesy laws.” <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The National Motorists Association (NMA) was established in 1982 to represent the interests and rights of North American motorists. It is a grassroots organization that operates at the national level and through a system of state chapters. The NMA is entirely supported through the contributions of individuals, families, and small businesses. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Madison, Wisconsin, September 12, 2005 — In the wake of Hurricane Katrina gasoline prices have hit a record high, which has prompted a public outcry for the government to “do something.” Federal and state officials can do much to reduce gasoline consumption, and in turn, the price of gas, by simply implementing existing regulations and enforcing laws already on the books.
<o:p></o:p>
The key to success is to work with, rather than against, motorists. With this in mind, there are several opportunities to reduce gasoline consumption, without resorting to rationing schemes or heavy-handed price controls:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
· Set Reasonable Speed Limits – Federal Research has shown that speed limits have little effect on actual travel speeds. They do, however, influence the traffic flow. Speed limits that reflect the speeds most motorists are driving promote smooth traffic flow, which results in less gas being used. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
· Synchronize Traffic Signals – The Institute of Transportation Engineers recently graded controlled intersections in the United States. Overall, they gave the nation a “D-” for traffic signal operation and maintenance. In addition to the safety implications, this poor state of affairs also highlights significant lost opportunities for improving traffic flow and reducing fuel consumption. In 2003, the City of San Jose, California started to coordinate its traffic lights. By altering the timing on just a third of the city’s stoplights, traffic delays were reduced 33 percent and average travel time was reduced 16 percent. The city has also estimated that the $500,000 project saves 471,000 gallons of gasoline each year. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
· Properly Install Stop Signs – Stop signs are intended to control right-of-way at intersections, not slow traffic or discourage motorists from taking a certain route. Improper stop signs increased noise, increase emissions, and gas usage. Confining stop sign installations to locations where traffic volume or intersection conditions make them necessary would save the public money on signs and gas. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
-More-<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Simple Measures (Page 2)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
· Promote and Enforce Lane Courtesy – Lane courtesy, the practice of yielding the left lane to faster moving traffic, strongly influences highway safety, traffic flow, congestion, and the entire driving environment. Disregarding lane courtesy creates more congestion, and in turn, it contributes to speed fluctuations, both of which reduce the gas mileage vehicles receive and increase overall fuel consumption. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Setting responsible speed limits; synchronizing traffic lights, and properly installing stop signs can all be encouraged by very modest changes in federal and state policies. All three issues are covered in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This manual sets the standards for all traffic control devices in the United States. Complying with the MUTCD is a condition for qualifying for federal highway funds, but enforcement of MUTCD requirements and standards is rare. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The agency responsible for oversight, the Federal Highway Administration, does not have the manpower or ability to oversee the millions of traffic control devices. To aid with compliance, any individual or organization should be able to petition a state court to correct an MUTCD violation. Giving citizens the right to enforce these basic standards would allow for improved traffic flow, and in turn, would reduce the gas wasted each year by traffic control devices that do not comply with the MUTCD standards.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Lane courtesy is not mentioned in the MUTCD, but the majority of states already have laws tat require slower moving traffic to yield the left lane. The need only to be enforced by police agencies. Then all motorists will be able to save time and gas because of improved traffic flow. At the same time, those few states that lack lane courtesy laws should pass such legislation.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
“Most people would be amazed by the fuel savings that could occur if laws and regulations already on the books would simply be enforced,” said Eric Skrum, NMA Communications Director. “There was never a good excuse to ignore these requirements, and in light of current gas prices, there is an urgent need to implement traffic control recommendations and enforce lane courtesy laws.” <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
The National Motorists Association (NMA) was established in 1982 to represent the interests and rights of North American motorists. It is a grassroots organization that operates at the national level and through a system of state chapters. The NMA is entirely supported through the contributions of individuals, families, and small businesses. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>