If Roads Were Regulated Like Rails, Everyone Would Drive a Cement Mixer

By doug

Tuesday, June 08, 2010 at 08:55 AM

In 1970s, the federal government instituted automobile regulations to increase vehicle fuel efficiency — in part by decreasing vehicle weight. The initiative, called "CAFE" or "Corporate Average Fuel Economy," has been renewed and enhanced as recently as 2007. Heavier vehicles tend to be safer vehicles, but Congress and the President have judged that the gain in efficiency at the cost of safety is worthwhile and justified.