CAA Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

[tasdrouille]

The Canadian Automobile Association recently published a paper they call "Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions". It is an interesting paper with a lot of info, pretty well put together, but with a couple errors, some inaccuracies, and fallacies too. It's missing a lot of references too. There are a lot of things they say I'd like to know what is their source.

I really did not like the following quote and intend to contact them in this regard.

Although hypermiling demonstrates how far fuel efficient driving techniques can take you, some techniques can be very dangerous (or illegal) and should never be practiced. These include turning off the vehicle's engine while coasting in traffic, tailgating or “drafting” larger vehicles, such as trucks, or even rolling through stop signs.

You can get the whole pdf from this direct link.

[Duffman]

Nothing wrong with that quote, its a good blanket statement that applies to a significant spectrum of vehicles on the road. If a 90 lb woman turns off her engine in a F250 (losing power steering and brakes) there is a good chance that someone could get hurt in a very serious manner. Also tailgating and rolling stops are illegal. It is highly irresponsible for any organization or media to repot otherwise and you are not likely to see any respectible source do otherwise.

[tasdrouille]

The problem with that quote is they associate these techniques with hypermiling. Have you ever seen rolling through a stop sign being advocated by hypermiling enthousiats?

[Duffman]

Well they are techniques that will save fuel, no?

[Distantman]

Unfortunately there are some who have to be reminded of such things.

Eco-driving is ussually safe driving, but not always.