Like most folks in the Salt Lake Valley, I need to commute to work. Mine is about six miles each way and I leave home at about 07:30 a.m.
While at the ever-present stop lights, I observe that about 95 of 100 vehicles I see are SOVs, or single-occupancy vehicles. Why is that? I would think the past few inversions would have reminded folks that their vehicles are the major source of our nasty air.
No? Am I missing something? I, too, am guilty.
Perhaps it is that fuel is too inexpensive, that UTA buses are for the poor and those who cannot afford a car, that the UTA and University of Utah’s bus network and timing leave much to be desired. Or maybe you might need to go to the gym after work to get on the stair-stepper after ignoring the stairs all day at work? All very good excuses, I agree. I’m guilty, too.
It would be political suicide for Gov. Gary Herbert to increases gas taxes, or (drat) to forbid folks to talk on their cell phones while driving.
But the number one reason why folks stopped smoking was the price of smokes. Does anyone remember when gas jumped over $4 a gallon a few years back? You would not believe how many instantly stopped driving, and carpooling became “cool” again.
Thank the Lord gas prices came way down, and now most folks have SUV’s as gas is so cheap. I understand, the roads in Salt Lake City are so bad one needs an SUV to avoid damaging their car.
I too am guilty of driving a SOV, although mine is a Trek. What brand is yours?
Bill Wegesser, Salt Lake City
