Quote:
Originally Posted by roflwaffle
The direct cost savings via fuel for driving slower aren't as attractive, if at all, when the individual in question makes ~10-20+/hour, however given that traffic accidents are the top when it comes down to accidental fatalities, that a vehicle traveling 75mph compared to 55mph needs nearly twice as much room to stop, and that a significant amount of traffic is caused by accidents, be them serious or fender benders, I wonder if on average, having people drive safely/slowly would really cost more in terms of time/money than what occurs daily on CA freeways. ...  |
I was going to mention the safety aspect as well; one person mentioned low blood pressure too.
We're all cruising around with $2000+ of seat belts, crumple zones, and airbags in our cars, and they work a heck of a lot better if you're going slower if you actually get in an accident!
The cost of healthcare can be expensive, and relaxing helps everything from Blood pressure to your immune system, and can make you more enjoyable to be around when you're out of the car. I've noticed these effects as well.
I really enjoyed reading your calculation of this on your blog, however. For the everyday person, energy efficiency has to be cost effective for them to even think about changing their routine or normal energy sources.
My wife and I pay a slightly higher rate for electricity at our home so our utility purchases renewable energy credits from midwest wind farms equal to our usage. My dad thinks I'm getting scammed, but I think it's worth paying an extra $5-7 a month to prepare infrastructure for problems down the road. If kids only listened to all the preaching their science teachers do like I did when I was a kid...