Yet, despite the evidence that CAFE has failed to meet its goals while at the same time endangering lives, there is little impetus to relax federal standards. In fact, several members of Congress have lobbied for even tougher CAFE standards, especially to make SUVs subject to the same standards as smaller passenger vehicles. Eliminating SUVs and light pickup trucks, the researchers said, and putting their drivers into smaller vehichles would kill about 300 more people a year. SUVs have become the auto phenomenon of the '90s, with more than 25 million on the road today. Their size and safety record are part of their appeal.
Compact cars remain popular, too, because of their affordability and fuel efficiency.
Indeed, there would be a market for smaller cars even if CAFE disappeared tomorrow. Online archives Search for past editorials by date Contact us. Submit a letter to the editor SavannahNOW posts only a sampling of all of the news and features that can be found in the print edition of the Savannah Morning News.