If you’re like me, you hate speed bumps. I can understand the need for speed bumps in certain places. School parking lots, shopping mall parking lots and other areas where kids might be running around are ideal places for these safety devices. But where I live, the speed bumps have gone too far. They are so big, they’re more like “speed curbs.” I have to push down on the accelerator just to get over one of these things. I’m afraid that they’re going to get larger and eventually start scraping the bottom of my certified Ford.

But now there’s an even bigger reason to hate these obstacles when they are in unnecessary places.

Did you know that speed bumps are actually bad for the environment? That’s right. Speed bumps cause you to use more gas. And it’s not just a little more gas, either. A study conducted in England tested the gas mileage of a vehicle first as it traveled at a steady 30 mph and then again when a series of speed bumps interrupted the movement. The reports found that the car’s gas mileage was nearly cut IN HALF as a result of the bumps. There was also an increase in carbon emissions. And we all know what that means for the environment.

Other studies have reported similar findings as well.

Of course, these safety devices are a necessary part of any driving routine, almost as much as stop signs and traffic lights. I’m not advocating the abolishing of speed bumps. People in our culture are just in too much of a hurry, and the bumps remind them to slow down. But if you drive through parking lots, this might be the reason you can see your gas gauge moving towards “Empty” right before your eyes.

Technorati Tags: certified ford, speed bumps, pre owned, certified, cpo, gas mileage, fuel efficiency, driving safety, carbon emissions, used, trucks