Bored with the many articles about fuel efficiency?
 
Here’s one that promise something new and totally different from others, it has something to do with new T-E-C-H-N-O-L-O-G-Y.
 
Four leading researchers follow a line of investigation and the study was released by the International Council on Clean Transportation that offers significant insights at a moment when Congress is taking into account changes in the nation’s motor vehicle fuel economy requirements, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards.
 
This study was even supported by the Hewlett Foundation; this foundation put emphasis on supporting and improving institutions that create optimistic contributions and offerings to the community and to the society as a whole.
 
Written by transportation policy consultant Deborah Gordon David L. Greene, a fuel-economy policy expert; Marc H. Ross, emeritus professor of physics at the University of Michigan ; and Tom P. Wenzel, of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory--- this study is entitled: “Sipping Fuel and Saving Lives: Increasing Fuel Economy without Sacrificing Safety.”---See, told you its interesting.
 
Key findings are: 
 
1. Most technologies to increase fuel economy do not affect safety; most technologies to increase safety do not affect fuel economy.
 
2. Reducing car mass while improving vehicle structure, using advanced materials and designs, can simultaneously increase fuel economy and safety.
 
3. Reducing the weight and improving the structure of truck-based SUVs and pickups can increase their fuel economy and improve the safety of all vehicles on the road.
 
Recommendations are:
 
1. Set fuel economy and safety performance goals at cost-effective levels, and allow adequate time for phase-in of vehicle redesigns.
 
2. Develop short-term goals that use existing technological potential and long-term goals to spur continued innovation.
 
3. Apply the same fuel economy and safety standards consistently to all vehicle types (cars, SUVs, and pickups).
 
4. Encourage driver behavior that improves fuel economy or safety – e.g. seat belt use or reduced driving speeds.
 
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation to be able to improve public health, the environment, and quality of life, they want to have progress when it comes to environmental performance and good competence of cars, trucks, buses, and transportation systems. That’s why this study has a great influence and importance to them.