Pick fuel economy sticker; Mexico on one tank; driving with dogs is distracting

One sticker option, left, uses a grading system, while the other relies on sliding scales. (The Associated Press)

Help pick the next fuel economy sticker
The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation last week released two proposed window stickers to help consumers compares vehicle fuel costs, and the agencies want your help picking the final design. Consumers are encouraged to give their input and comments at epa.gov/fueleconomy. One sticker gives cars and trucks a grade from A+ to a D, compares vehicles with three sliding scales and gives an estimated annual fuel cost. The other version omits the grade. At first, only electric vehicles would rate an A+. The median score would be a B-; most SUVs would get a C or lower.

Craig Henderson and his car, the Avion. (Goodyear)

WWU grad makes it to Mexico on one tank
Bellingham resident Craig Henderson completed a 1,400-mile drive from Canada to Mexico on a single tank of gas last week. Henderson's custom-built car, the Avion, is powered by an 800 cc diesel motor. It used 12.4 gallons over the course of the trip, averaging 119.1 mpg at 55 mph. Henderson, a Western Washington University grad, took a similar trip in 1986, setting a world record for mileage.

--NWautos staff

Survey: Drivers admit to pet distractions
A recent survey conducted by AAA and Kurgo found drivers love to bring their dogs with them on the road, but that they also often engage in risky behaviors. While 80 percent of respondents stated that they have driven with their pets on a variety of car trips, only 17 percent use any form of pet restraint system. Additionally, 59 percent of respondents said they've participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog. More than half (55 percent) have pet their dog while driving, and one in five allowed their dog to sit in their lap (21 percent). Other distracting behaviors drivers admitted to include giving food and water to their dog (seven percent) and playing with their dog (five percent).

For more NWautos content on driving with man's best friend see:
Keep your furry friends safe in the car with these simple devices
If we love our pets so much, why don't we buckle them up?