Gas & Idle Vehicles

[Terri]

Can someone please tell me why in the world people leave their cars running while they go into a store. I DON'T GET IT!!!! With gas nearly $4/gallon I use my gas ONLY to go somewhere. Why would anyone use their gas to stand still??

If you're one of these people, please explain.

If you're not, join me in a campaign to make these people stop it. First of all it's wasteful even if gas were cheaper. Secondly who needs all of that nasty exhaust crap floating around in the air outside the store/bank/etc. that I'm visiting.

Below is information on the topic from http://sustainablechoices.stanford.edu

When you’re idling, you’re getting zero miles per gallon. The larger your engine, the more you’ll waste by idling. Additionally, idling cars are a major contributor to urban air pollution. Think of the last time you were walking down the street and got a mouthful of toxic air from a car or delivery truck idling at the curb. Motor vehicle emissions account for approximately 77 percent of the carbon monoxide (CO), more than 35.6 percent of the volatile organic compounds (including hydrocarbons) and forty five percent of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in our nation's air. The American Lung Association has cited vehicle exhaust as a prime contributor to respiratory problems. Make a commitment not to idle for more than 10 seconds and you’ll improve your community’s health, save gas, save money, and help reduce global warming gases

Tips & Tricks
Turn the key if you’ll be sitting longer than 10 seconds. Whenever you’re waiting in the car or sitting in a line-up, it’s better to kill the engine than keep it running. If you’re at a stoplight or in stop-and-go traffic, use your judgment.

Ask your neighbors not to idle. Keep an eye out for idlers around town; if you notice someone sitting for a long period with the engine on, consider asking them if they wouldn’t mind shutting off for the sake of the public air.

[Detroiter]

Definetely true that newer model vehicles use considerably less fuel when they are started. It's better for your fuel economy to turn the car off.

I would worry less about people who idle and more about things that waste a lot more fuel. Like Nascar. I'd rather see auto-racing disappear or switch to something that doesn't run on petrol.