Fuel-Saving Is Motivated By Cost Rather Than Environment, Study Shows

A recent study made by North West PEMCO Insurance revealed the fact that about eight out of ten drivers in Washington and the greater Portland area say their fuel-efficiency drive is motivated by saving money first, with the environment coming second.

The same study, which surveyed drivers across Washington and around the Portland metro area, shows that about nine out of ten drivers put at least some effort in being fuel efficient, but just. Also, in the Portland area, 81 percent of motorists who save fuel do so because they want to save money that they would normally spend filling up their gas tank

“We were surprised to learn that even in the Pacific Northwest, where we have a reputation for being environmentally conscientious, cost still trumps being green. And with gas prices at record highs in some areas, drivers are certainly feeling the pinch. Though our mild summers may not demand it, air conditioning may not be as much of a fuel drain as some think.  According to the auto experts at Edmunds.com, the drag created by traveling with your windows open burns just as much fuel as running your car's AC," PEMCO spokesperson Jon Osterberg.

The poll results come on the heels of a major breakthrough in negotiations for higher gas mileage standards for car manufacturers in the US.Furthermore, President Obama and major auto companies recently announced that by 2025 the overall fuel economy will double to 54.5 miles per gallon.