The tank is half full [a]

Jalopnik has a fine article on the wonders of expensive gas with respect to auto enthusiasts. Basically:

1. Less people on the road.
2. Less SUVs and more 350Zs coming off the line.
3. Diminished geographic sprawl resulting in clearer rural tarmac.
4. Weekend driver cars entail cheaper insurance.
   
5. Increased mean health.
   

On that last point, hilarity:

While this has a few boring side effects — fewer health-related deaths and lower health care costs, for example — the benefit to the driver is that your co-pilot is less likely to add sprung weight to your car. We're pretty sure it's the same reason Colin Chapman became a vegan and John DeLorean made sure all his women were coked-out anorexics.

I'm sure there are far more ins, outs, and what-have-yous than the five point brief covers. But it's certainly along the lines of conversations I've had with Erik and Connie spawned by reports of increased scooter sales.

I take no pride in saying I live in a hive of ignorant drivers, unnecessary traffic control, and terrible city planning. Perhaps five dollar gas combined with the cell ban will improve the situation marginally.

On a related note, I cruised by a hydrogen fuel station in Irvine the other day. A little preliminary research yielded the figures $5 for 70 miles in the new Honda hydro. Just don't smoke in it.