Opinions
DOT, EPA, NHTSA and other government stupidity...
Ever wonder why there are double standards? Passenger vehicles are required
to meet strict standards for emissions and safety. They also get penalized for
consuming too much fuel (gas guzzler tax). Manufacturers must meet CAFE
standards for their
entire line. Trucks, in particular those that are used to haul passengers
and make up >50% of new vehicle sales, on the other hand only have to
meet inferior emissions and safety standards.
They also have a separate CAFE standard and do not get penalized for
being gas guzzlers. Trucks are also one of the highest profit items for
car manufacturers. I guess we know where the government interest really is,
not in your safety, fuel conservation or air quality.
DRLs 
This is the latest hot subject for the safety fanatics. IMHO they fall
in the same category as previous knee jerk reactions; 55 MPH, 85 MPH Joan
Claybrook memorial speedometers, and the 1st generation air bags
designed to save a 200+ pound male too stupid to wear
a seat belt (oh they may maim or kill women and children, oops, sorry...
:-( ). All of these items, including DRLs, fail to have any unbiased scientific
proof of their value...
I'm sure we've all been annoyed by DRL equipped vehicles, especially
Saturns and Chevy trucks equipped with high beam DRLs. I won't do
any more venting here but instead will list some links. Yes they are anti
DRL, but you already know that's my opinion :-)
I urge you to check the facts. Afterwards if you have a strong opinion, write your
representatives, NHTSA and even the auto makers.
John
send DRL comments to:
US DOT, NHTSA
Docket 4124
400 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20590
or http://dms.dot.gov for electronic submission, no cost
(try Unregistered User Submissions, and paste a file?)
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