GaryG
07-31-2007, 07:50 PM
Hi All
When I look at how much gas is wasted, I can't help look at the regulations we have in stopping. Coming to a complete stop when traffic is clear is a major waste if proceeding is clearly an advantage to FE. There were no accidents in the Hybridfest MPG Challenge, yet many did not stop at signs completely. I can tell you I was looking to protect myself and everyone else at all controlled stops, but the law needs to be adjusted for those who can reduce emissions and drive safely. Cops, Fire Department vehicles do it every day! A license to Run would help save our environment and pocketbook.
GaryG
hobbit
07-31-2007, 08:01 PM
Same with pedestrian crossings in streets above a certain
speed limit. Energy required to stop and start the piece of
meat is *much* lower, with faster response time.
.
_H*
locutus
07-31-2007, 08:16 PM
The same should go for biking too - if there's a completely clear 4-way stop I see no problem with staying aware but coasting through at 10-15 mph. 2-way stops are a different animal (for both bikes and cars). It is a risk, but a calculated one - other cars should at least be slowing down, and if I can see that the intersection is clear I can be pretty sure I won't have to make an emergency stop. It would be nice if doing that was technically legal though.
But yeah, same thing goes for biking - takes a bunch of energy to stop and then get back up to speed.
Gary C
07-31-2007, 08:53 PM
I can do it safely. It's the other guy I worry about.:eek::eek:
Gary C
brick
07-31-2007, 09:09 PM
I agree and I don't. On the one hand it's true that coming to a complete stop does cost a little more energy vs. coasting through slowly. That, and a huge number of people tend to coast through signs despite the laws. On the other hand, the thought of telling the average driver "stop signs are optional" absolutely terrifies me. That may not be the point but I think that's what the appliance operators will hear and more side-impact accidents will be the result. I just don't trust people to make the right judgement call if given the option because I already see them making very bad calls on a regular basis. Too many close calls to count.
ILAveo
07-31-2007, 09:22 PM
IMHO there are too many stop signs that should be yield signs. Which maybe is why I would like a license to run.
pumaman
07-31-2007, 10:12 PM
I can leave my house and make the first mile and a half going only through two yield signs. One of them probably should be a stop, but I'm not going to be the one to complain. But yes, in most areas there are plenty of stop signs that could be yields instead.
psyshack
07-31-2007, 10:29 PM
I think folks should bloody well stop! The heck with yield signs. A yield sign means go or wtf to most folks. I would prefer that all intersctions be 4-way red blinkers. I could get thru them a lot faster. But folks freak over 4-way stops and loose it at 4-way blinking intersections.
I'd rather deal with a drunk driver trying to weave along than a normal person that hasn't a clue....