Letter: For cheaper gas, downsize cars, drop speed limit

Friday, May 28, 2004 | 3:45 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

May 29 - 30, 2004

Gasoline prices too high? Well, you can place the blame on yourself if you drive a sport utility vehicle. If you don't drive an SUV, place the blame on those who do. It is as simple as that.

Of course, there are those who -- no matter what kind of car they own -- will drive a half mile to the convenience store to buy a pack of cigarettes or a can of beer. And then there are the ones who try to go from zero to 90 mph in one second or those who drive 90 mph on the open road. This is just pure waste, nothing less.

Want gas prices to come down? Here's how you do it. Mandate that no noncommercial vehicle be manufactured or sold in the United States with more than four cylinders and cut back the speed limit to at least 60 mph (55 mph would be better yet). Nobody would be hurt. In other words, make the automobile a tool and not a plaything, a rocket or a tank. And, presto, $1 gas again! How does that sound?

DANIEL OLIVIER

Bullhead City, Ariz.

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