Big Brother Is ‘Driving’ Me Crazy! Get Ready To Pay A ‘VMT’ Tax
By now, you must be aware that “Big Brother” is everywhere. Watching our every move. Likewise, where we drive and how we drive is being monitored. For those who value…
By now, you must be aware that “Big Brother” is everywhere. Watching our every move. Likewise, where we drive and how we drive is being monitored. For those who value their privacy, a very scary scenario is developing. Or, even scarier, has already developed.
Auto Insurance Companies Want To Monitor Your Driving
You’ve seen the television commercials. You can save money on your auto insurance premiums by signing up for a service which monitors your driving. The safer you drive, the cheaper your auto insurance.
It all started here in the United States with Progressive’s “Snapshot” program. That’s according to an article by Kristen Hall-Geisler and Jennifer Lobb on USNews.com. Of course, other insurance companies started their own programs. You now have Allstate’s “Drivewise,” Geico’s “DriveEasy,” and State Farm’s “Drive Safe and Save.”
Basically, if you agree to install one of these programs, it will monitor your driving habits. Information such as how often you drive. How long you drive. Whether you brake hard or accelerate hard. It will monitor your phone use while driving. Additionally, it will note the time of day you drive. In particular, insurance companies are concerned about nighttime driving.
The Government Wants To Monitor Your Driving
Now, there are many reports that state and federal governments want to use monitoring apps and devices to monitor your driving. Yes, “Big Brother” wants to know everything about us. In fact, according to an article by Jason Plautz and National Journal, this could lead to a new tax.
That article on TheAtlantic.com reports that a “VMT” (vehicle miles traveled) fee is in the works. Roads and highways have largely been funded by the gas tax. Consequently, when the public uses less gas, the government doesn’t collect enough tax revenue. More Americans are transitioning to electric and hybrid vehicles these days. In light of this fact, we are using less gas, and the government collects fewer gas tax revenue dollars.
“Big Brother” Is Here To Stay
Of course, with GPS devices embedded into our mobile phones, “Big Brother” has been watching us for quite a while. However, there are privacy provisions which prohibit the government from accessing that data. All this may be true, but it appears that state and federal governments see big tax dollars they can collect.
In fact, states such as Oregon, Utah, and Virginia have already instituted “road usage charges.” According to an article by Tammy Bruce on AMAC.com, the feds have already invested millions of dollars in a pilot “VMT” program. The writing is on the wall. “Big Brother” is here to stay.
Surprisingly There Are Only 3 New Cars Under $20K Or Less
For the first time in nearly two years, the new car average sale prices fell below the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The average transaction price paid for a new vehicle in the United States declined in March 2023 to $48,008, according to Kelley Blue Book data. That’s a month-over-month decrease of 1.1%. This means that consumers paid less than the sticker price displayed on the window.
"Right now, in-market consumers are finding more inventory, more choice and dealers more willing to deal, at least with some brands," said Rebecca Rydzewski, auto-industry researcher at Kelley Blue Book's parent firm Cox Automotive.
According to their data, non-luxury buyers paid an average of $44,182. Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Volkswagen all saw their average price decline in March. Honda and Kia dealers still charged an average of 3% to 6% over sticker price. Their research also found that luxury buyers saw less of an improvement. They paid an average of $65,202.
New cars now average over $48,000 before taxes and fees. There are still new cars available for less than the average cost. As of May 2023, there are only three new vehicles that would cost $20,000 or less.
However, all three of these cars are small sedans with minimal cargo space and efficient gas mileage.
Take a look at the only 3 new cars under $20,000 or less.
Kia Rio: starting at $17,875
The Kia Rio subcompact sedan starts at $17,875 and the Rio5 hatchback at $18,515. Both front-wheel-drive models come standard with a 120 hp four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a highway fuel economy rating of 41 mpg.
Mitsubishi Mirage/ Mirage G4: starting at $17,340
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback starts at $17,340 and the Mirage G4 sedan is just $1,000 more. its three-cylinder engine rated at just 76 horsepower -- and the most-efficient non-hybrid vehicle, with the hatchback getting an EPA combined rating of 39 mpg.
Nissan Versa starting at $16,925
The Nissan Versa sedan is priced at $16,925. It is roomy for the price and has a 122 hp four-cylinder under the hood, a standard 5-speed manual transmission, automatic emergency brakes, and a five-star NHTSA crash test rating. Models equipped with an automatic transmission start at $18,595 and have a 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating. A fully loaded version with adaptive cruise control, heated seats, and a wireless charging pad tops out at $20,215.
Larry Martino is the long-time afternoon drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
