First things First!

If as a Nation we are to reduce our consumption of gasoline we First need for the TV News people and the Auto Manufacturers to reverse their positions and work to convince all the Moms that keeping their children Entirely Safe from all dangers is an impossibility and transporting their kids in a 6000 pound SUV with 6-way air bags and the ability to blow through a 10 foot snow drift at 70 MPH, without slipping a wheel, isn't absolutely necessary for their survival.

However, that doesn't mean they can give up their DOT approved safety seats that only Paramedic/Fireman Fred is able to install properly.

Yes by golly, kids can survive in smaller vehicles.