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Think leaving your car running doesn’t matter? Think again.

The Boston Globe -- STATE SENATOR THOMAS MCGEE may cochair the Transportation Committee, but he was just another mindless idler until some Lynn fifth-graders straightened him out. “I’d pull off the road to finish a phone call and leave the car running,” he says. “You just don’t think about it.” He wasn’t alone: Once you start looking for it, you notice engines idling away everywhere as drivers wait outside schools, check their appearance, or fiddle with their iPads. But it’s just a few minutes of waiting, and that’s no big deal, right?

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Submitted Jun 17, 2012 By: ziyulu

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1006 Champion Author Birmingham Posts:1,105 Points:1,353,565 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 23, 2012 6:50:41 AM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse its a running................
1006 Champion Author Birmingham Posts:1,105 Points:1,353,565 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 22, 2012 5:51:54 AM Ignore 1006 Report Abuse what a dunce
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2012 4:57:41 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Then again, smoking 2 or 3 packs of cigarettes a day when one has no money to start with also makes little sense... but then, it's an individual's right to waste their money (although I don't agree that those receiving welfare / government subsidies should be allowed to do so).
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:18,609 Points:1,608,545 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jun 21, 2012 4:56:15 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse it all adds up. In a time when gas is high and money tight for many, I often shake my head watching big gas-sucking engines run while no one is in the vehicle - everyone standing outside and yacking, waiting mostly for the school bus. So the excuse "to cool us off on a hot FL morning" (not really that hot but okay), doesn't hold.
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:5,596 Points:1,203,730 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 9:31:10 AM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse Speaking like the 1 Percent!
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,562 Points:1,770,920 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 19, 2012 4:16:35 AM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse Idle all you want. You paid for it. What you do with it is your business. Greenies can pound salt.
CdnLynx Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,020 Points:523,005 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 11:00:34 PM Ignore CdnLynx Report Abuse Enact laws against if they don't exist and enforce penalties against the idlers!
js0743 All-Star Author Georgia Posts:981 Points:457,880 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 10:33:20 PM Ignore js0743 Report Abuse Okay.
clermont40miles Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:10,562 Points:1,770,920 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 10:17:00 PM Ignore clermont40miles Report Abuse Run your life, not mine.
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:5,596 Points:1,203,730 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 9:33:55 PM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse I have to agree Clermont40miles is way over the top. The suggestion to take a breath is a good one. The issue here is not whether you can afford the gas to idle your vehicle, or to do as you please, it is about saving finite resources. If you don't like being told what to do, I would suggest you don't drive, or pay taxes, or even have a checking account.....All, have strict regulations!
Rehorsehay All-Star Author California Posts:871 Points:45,925 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 1:03:47 PM Ignore Rehorsehay Report Abuse Depends on the weather. If I have my handicap son in the van in hot weather I idle with the AC on, its a safety issue. I don't do this often. I refrain from taking him any where in extreme weather!
sparky808 Champion Author Honolulu Posts:2,993 Points:596,760 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 12:25:26 PM Ignore sparky808 Report Abuse Thank you for posting.
TruthMatters Champion Author New Jersey Posts:2,520 Points:533,235 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 8:11:17 AM Ignore TruthMatters Report Abuse Good, sound advice...only if people will follow them!
Blismo Champion Author Arizona Posts:2,129 Points:402,285 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 4:11:00 AM Ignore Blismo Report Abuse ok
Rich1430 All-Star Author Indiana Posts:761 Points:257,340 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 1:03:21 AM Ignore Rich1430 Report Abuse I dare them to tell me that my car engine has been idling to long when outside air temp in the winter is below zero. It takes longer to warmup an engine and thin the oil to it's normal consistency and warm up the vehicles interior.
southrob Champion Author Tucson Posts:3,590 Points:686,225 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 18, 2012 12:32:38 AM Ignore southrob Report Abuse and its your car to do with what you please
SammyAdams Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:3,049 Points:791,770 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:49:16 PM Ignore SammyAdams Report Abuse To: Aviator_Rob Re: Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:32:21 PM (Printed below) "Jeez, SammyAdams, relax and take a breath. Just reading your post made me think you were about to have a seizure or something. To everyone out there resisting this just because they don't want to be told what to do, what exactly are you gaining by your resistance? This should be such a non-issue. Just turn off the engine when you pull over and stop your car. It's just so simple. It's not like you have a Model T Ford with a crank starter out front. Just turn off the ignition and take a breath. It'll be okay." =================================================================== To: Aviator_Rob Re: Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:06:34 PM (Printed below "Are you feeling okay, clermont40miles? You sound cranky. Take a breath and relax. There are plenty of things that impede your driving freedom. Things like red lights and stop signs. I hope you stop for those. There are laws against blowing your horn unless it's an absolute emergency. There are DUI laws. These laws exist for the greater good of the community. Don't whine and complain. That's childish behavior and children are too young to drive. Oh, that's another law we have." ==================================================================== After reading your comment on my post, I began to think that you must not have even read what I had to say, because I wasn't arguing about turning "off" my car whenever it was idling for more than a minute. But then I noticed that you gave a similar comment to someone who also disagreed with you and it seems like you don't have the intellect to discuss a reasoned argument for whatever it is that you believe. That's perfectly alright. You are the perfect citizen for the New World Order. Never question bad or unconstitutional laws, pay whatever taxes are asked from you, pay higher gas and consumer prices without questioning anything. Just reading your post made me think you were about to have a seizure or something. You even sound a little cranky. Don't whine and complain. That's childish behavior and children are too young to drive. Just take a breath and relax.
J4romeo All-Star Author Gary Posts:506 Points:1,214,925 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:38:40 PM Ignore J4romeo Report Abuse Gas waste is all over, fast food lines, banks, ect...those r just added to it in the past 5 yrs or so!!
jetskijerry Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,891 Points:771,295 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:06:47 PM Ignore jetskijerry Report Abuse I've been cutting off my engine for years instead of idling.
texasvet Champion Author Texas Posts:3,823 Points:360,120 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:04:34 PM Ignore texasvet Report Abuse Right. Everybody knows that 5th graders are smarter than the average adult. Where do they get this insipid crap?
Catfish93001 Champion Author Ventura Posts:1,200 Points:247,205 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:02:05 PM Ignore Catfish93001 Report Abuse Then there's the trucker who runs the thing for hours while he snoozes in the sleeper while my neighbors wake up choking....
trinda1 Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:2,011 Points:544,795 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:01:55 PM Ignore trinda1 Report Abuse Good information. For real though! A law! more than 3 minutes, give me a break, that's why kids are not involved in laws of the land.
dancygreen Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:2,058 Points:483,910 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 11:00:37 PM Ignore dancygreen Report Abuse ok
Dodge_Me Champion Author Atlanta Posts:2,214 Points:555,480 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:59:08 PM Ignore Dodge_Me Report Abuse Hmm
unclemattie Veteran Author Atlanta Posts:289 Points:457,655 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:57:59 PM Ignore unclemattie Report Abuse Make sure your tires have the proper pressure too!
libertyut Champion Author Utah Posts:1,344 Points:290,650 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:54:19 PM Ignore libertyut Report Abuse small waste compared to Obama waste.
egd Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:8,088 Points:2,118,300 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:53:32 PM Ignore egd Report Abuse good luck, little things add up
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,269 Points:880,165 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:50:27 PM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse ok
TXryder Champion Author Texas Posts:2,703 Points:431,755 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:49:33 PM Ignore TXryder Report Abuse Here you will find diesel trucks parked anywhere left running, stinking up the air you breathe plus all of that clattering noise pollution. If it starts that difficult seek mechanic help or drive it a wrecking yard and park it.
big_mac64 Champion Author Tennessee Posts:10,593 Points:1,485,690 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:45:50 PM Ignore big_mac64 Report Abuse Sometimes I turn off my car sitting at a red light...esp the ones that are over 2 min long...
altima2008 Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:8,155 Points:1,736,040 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:43:26 PM Ignore altima2008 Report Abuse Doesn't nobamas plane waste alot of fuel since were on the topic of waste.
granitestater Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:8,817 Points:1,429,775 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:42:09 PM Ignore granitestater Report Abuse I luv people who warm up their cars for HALF AN HOUR...
tidalwave3 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:1,299 Points:1,461,900 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:41:10 PM Ignore tidalwave3 Report Abuse When did he wake up? I've known and adjusted for this waste of gas 30 years ago
PizzaMon Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:5,134 Points:1,861,530 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:40:22 PM Ignore PizzaMon Report Abuse Another no-brainer idea that people choose to ignore.
Nicoalbum Champion Author Ottawa Posts:6,013 Points:1,187,260 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:40:04 PM Ignore Nicoalbum Report Abuse I do it quite often
s6sputnik Champion Author Austin Posts:6,219 Points:1,306,445 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:38:40 PM Ignore s6sputnik Report Abuse Ok!
mdskier Champion Author Maryland Posts:9,930 Points:1,781,635 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:38:04 PM Ignore mdskier Report Abuse Not with my Prius, If you leave it on the engine shuts off automatically (AC, radio, lights still work) and it "sleeps" till the battery needs charging or you step on the gas.
kosciak Champion Author Hartford Posts:1,106 Points:533,525 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:33:19 PM Ignore kosciak Report Abuse Ok
gilfarm Champion Author Alabama Posts:6,786 Points:1,946,890 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:32:25 PM Ignore gilfarm Report Abuse Burns lots of gas!
jjfisher All-Star Author Toledo Posts:546 Points:747,690 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:31:57 PM Ignore jjfisher Report Abuse I shut off my truck at RR crossings.
hauler43 Champion Author Oakland Posts:8,158 Points:2,597,750 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:31:25 PM Ignore hauler43 Report Abuse OK then turn it off
bluebird1 Champion Author Toronto Posts:15,727 Points:3,107,090 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:31:09 PM Ignore bluebird1 Report Abuse It matters enough that many areas have laws against it. Ruins your mpg too, because all that while you're getting 0 mpg!!!
drz614 Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:2,294 Points:596,645 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:30:32 PM Ignore drz614 Report Abuse ok
LCSTEELERBOB Champion Author Gary Posts:2,961 Points:720,130 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:28:06 PM Ignore LCSTEELERBOB Report Abuse if i'm talking i;m shut off
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:9,846 Points:1,611,275 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:26:51 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse “. . . idling for more than five minutes in a parked car violates state law.” What a cool idea. If we had that law around here every police cruiser would be eligible for a citation. I’ve never seen a deputy’s or trooper’s car shut off unless it is parked beside their home.
rick_evans Champion Author Boston Posts:3,718 Points:1,032,735 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:21:11 PM Ignore rick_evans Report Abuse Parents waiting to pick up kids at the local elementary school sit idling up to an hour right in front of the no idling sign.
RevDrCBJ Veteran Author Ann Arbor Posts:363 Points:187,010 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:20:48 PM Ignore RevDrCBJ Report Abuse Between plain old idling, and going through drive through windows, we waste a lot of fuel.
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:17,615 Points:3,493,730 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:19:55 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse Starting an engine is hard on the internal parts. So there is a trade off of stopping/starting and engine versus letting it idle.
jackster111 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:3,311 Points:423,610 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:18:49 PM Ignore jackster111 Report Abuse When out driving, I try to keep moving so won't have to worry about idling. It works
toadNY Champion Author Albany Posts:7,037 Points:1,512,175 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 17, 2012 10:17:02 PM Ignore toadNY Report Abuse What about obama's limo?