Will hybrid cars undermine our transportation quality? Think fuel tax dollars for our roads.

A study is being conducted to examine the impact of new, fuel efficient cars on the fuel tax that funds America's roads.
The gas tax may need updating, according to researchers for the Road User Study at the University of Iowa. "Current trends are threatening the ability of the tax to continue to pay for our roads," they say. "As hybrids and hydrogen-fueled vehicles become more common, funds generated will steadily decline. Even higher fuel efficiency means we may no longer be able to afford the quality transportation services that we have become accustomed to."

David Adams, Times staff writer

Comments

[Detroit Automotive Technology Examiner]

The internal combustion engine will still be around for some time; hybrids use them, just with less gas.

Nonetheless, I'm sure the government heads at the federal and state levels will find another "avenue" to tax. I suspect it will extend to the wind, geo-thermal and solar. And for those with plug-in cars, why not tax the Lithium-ions in the batteries?

[Tino]

The cap-and-tax bill has many, many provisions for the government to extract more money from drivers. That's not an issue.

What is more concerning to me is an economy that is so battered by higher transportation costs that miles driven continue to fall.

That would be a very, very bad thing.

[jwhenry]

Both trucks are car qualify for the Cash For Clunkers but not the motorcycles.

henry
Blogger
www.cashforclunkersfacts.info
http://www.cashforclunkersfacts.info

[Ronnie]

The government never does without. They will find new method of taking our money as it is the only thing they exceed at. There is a study going on now in Miami about taxing the miles you drive.

[Tino]

I agree -- motorcyle riding should be encouraged.

If not for them, thousands of people would still be waiting for organ donations...

Does it get any more renewable than that?

[Kimberly]

Because car manufacturers have done such a good job of advertising how "safe" cars are, very few people realize how dangerous they are.

In the USA, studies show the greatest cause of head injuries is being a car occupant during a car crash.

I have motorcycle friends who take a refresher safety course every two years so they can keep up to date on ways to prevent being in a crash with a car.

It's unfortunate that we don't require the same of motorists who are allowed to operate a 6,000-lb. deadly moving metal missile. Motorists would be able to do a better job of reducing the injury/death of themselves, their friends and family in the car, and other people.

The ability to travel freely has been found to be a constitutional right in USA courts (check historical data). But, operating a motor vehicle is a privilege for only people who are socially responsible, educationally prepared, and physically capable of handling the very dangerous responsibility of operating a motor vehicle.

[Tino]

"operating a motor vehicle is a privilege for only people who are socially responsible, educationally prepared, and physically capable of handling the very dangerous responsibility of operating a motor vehicle."

You're joking, right? Try to legally take the license away from a 90-year old with Alzeimer's and see what happens. AARP will hunt you down like a dog.

[Kimberly]

Here's the form to report dangerous drivers:
http://www.flhsmv.gov//forms/72190.html

It's on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website. Look in the "Forms" section to find it.

As you'll see in the physical and mental issues section, the form isn't about age. It's about whether or not you have what's necessary to drive safely.

Everyone needs transportation. Make sure people have access to walking, bicycling, longboarding, mass transit, and other options. Thus, AARP won't have a reason to demand that unqualified people have a driver license. Judges won't feel that they must give bad drivers licenses. Unqualified people won't feel that they have no other option but to drive.

Also, we must verbally express our appreciation to people who have given up driving when the people know that they shouldn't be driving. Such a person is being mature and socially responsible by choosing to not endanger other people's health and lives.