In response to the letter “Fossil fuels help save lives” (Oct. 5), it must be pointed out that fossil fuel use is a double-edged sword. Exhaust gases can contribute to asthma and other respiratory diseases, especially in children, according to the National Institutes of Health.
What seems to be a current trend is unnecessary idling of vehicles while parked.
Two minutes of idling equals one mile of driving, according to the Environmental Media Association. Idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than starting, according to Environmental Defense Fund. Here are some common idling practices: warming up vehicles on cold mornings (a vehicle warms up faster if it is driven a short distance), waiting for a bridge lift, road construction, drive-thrus, picking up children from school, and pulling off the road to use a phone. I have also seen company vehicles unnecessarily idling. Make unnecessary idling a company policy.
Are we unnecessarily idling our vehicles because of lack of knowledge, habit or laziness?
Everyday driving adds enough pollution to our air. Why are we adding more with our unnecessary idling?
If you believe there’s climate change, turn your key, be idle free.
