[Racer1]

Most roads here in PA are 55mph (only the major turnpikes are 65). But I will say my car gets the same or better mileage at 65mph. Its a small car though. The problem is people started buying gas hog SUVs. Now thats ok if you use them wisely, but many use them even for casual driving. I own a full size pick-up, but I only use it as needed.

[eastforker]

I will never understand the mentality of such a statement like this.

[Ditto]

The problem is people started buying gas hog SUVs.

Do you realize that today's 'gas hog' SUVs get better milage than most of the small cars of the 1970s. We're more efficient in using fuel which only encourages more use through larger vehicles and more miles driven.

As to France or the rest of "Old Europe", look at population and number of people driving now vs in the 1970s. Their populations have not grown much nor has their vehicle use. Our population has increased by nearly a 1/3 in the last 30 years and the number of miles driven have risen in proportion to that growth.