There’s a partial solution in our hands to the ongoing energy crisis that we are overlooking.  Perhaps this is because it’s a little inconvenient, it’s a pretty serious change (but a ridiculously easy one) and the energy savings are fractional – for real impact, it would require almost 100% participation.

Are you ready for the idea?  Here it is:

Urban Headlight Zones.

To wit:  In areas that are already adequately lit by municipal or state fixtures – cities, urban highways, tollways, anyplace that is well-lighted at night (we can even define well-lighted if you want) – eliminate the use of headlights and run with parking lights only.

This is, as I understand it, the model used in the UK, or elsewhere in Europe?  Would like to hear from my international readers on this one.

Yes, the savings are only fractions of fractions – you might be talking a nickle of gas saved per tank per car.

But then multiply that by 300 million cars burning a tank of gas a week.  Even if it’s $.0005 per tank, that adds up quick with those kinds of numbers involved.

Make it so. 

Spread this short, simple message around. 

Start pestering your lawmakers to modify existing headlight laws.  Most places in the US require headlights on at night, even when they’re completely unnecessary. 

Be reasonable, think carefully, but make your case. 

Obviously there are places we NEED headlights; just as obviously there are places we don’t need them, but the laws have been written from a perpetual energy perspective. 

Let’s keep in mind all the important issues of pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicular safety (i.e. motorcycles should probably continue using lights everywhere, just as they do in the daytime in many states), but let’s get it done. 

The grass roots movement starts here and now.  GO!