Bruce R. Frohman: There are many ways government can help save gasoline
California Senate Bill 350 proposes to half oil use in the state, a desirable goal. Any bill passed should mandate less waste, not interfere with legitimate use. Make government do better.
Countless gallons of gasoline are wasted by vehicles waiting at controlled intersections. Reduce waste by synchronizing signals and converting intersections with stop signs to traffic circles.
Countless gallons of gasoline are wasted during rush hour in freeway congestion. Eliminate stop-and-go traffic by installing more meters at freeway on-ramps. Except for carpools, impose tolls that discourage vehicle use during peak periods. Ask employers to adjust work hours to minimize employee peak-period travel.
An accident on Interstate 580 can create enormous gas wasting back-ups. Move accidents out of traffic lanes more quickly. Clean up major accidents more quickly by stationing tow trucks at key locations. Conduct all accident investigations out of traffic lanes. Change laws to enable these mandates.
In local planning, mandate a closer balance between the number of jobs and nearby housing available. By reducing commute distances, a large amount of petroleum can be saved.
Only approve urban development that has the transportation infrastructure in place to serve it.
Bruce R. Frohman, Modesto
This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 1:51 PM with the headline "Bruce R. Frohman: There are many ways government can help save gasoline."