Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Car Culture

Cartoon Tuesday: It’s (Not) Funny Because It’s True

brinkstoon.jpg
This AM New York cartoon, currently making the rounds on e-mail, was surely a ridiculous exaggeration when first published in 2004. But it's not as far off the mark today. As the Times reports, Florida is the latest state to start giving away free "gas for life" as a lottery prize. And though the jackpot, in reality, is $2,600 in prepaid gas cards every year until the winner's death, some Floridians say they would prefer that prize to the game's $250,000 cash payout, regardless of which would actually be more valuable.

"If gas keeps going up and up - and I expect it will - then I'd rather have free gas for life," said Robert Acosta, who spends about $50 a week on fuel for his four-cylinder Toyota Scion and bought a $5 Summer Cash ticket in anticipation of the first drawing, this Wednesday.

Were the 44-year-old Mr. Acosta to win, and live to be twice his current age, the total payout to him in free gasoline would be $114,400. That is far short of the first prize, particularly since virtually all the gas prize would be paid in future dollars.

But with a gallon of unleaded regular in South Florida costing an average of about $4.30, some players are ready to forgo the math.

"Gas has become more precious than cash now," [lottery retailer] Bernard Feldman said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Proposing A 14th Street-Style Busway For 34th Street

It's the sequel you've been waiting for. Here's hoping Mayor Adams delivers, said one activist.

May 19, 2025

Sohn in Albany: State Bill to Force Drivers to Pass Safety Stalls

Apparently, New York City is just too unsafe for legislation forbidding drivers to pass cyclists too closely.

May 19, 2025

Car Harms Monday: Machines Took Over Cities and Left Humans in the Dust

There isn't enough physical space for every single household to store its fleet of personal vehicles in front of the home, nor is there space for everyone to drive at the same time. So let's fix that.

May 19, 2025

A Valuable History Lesson for Jessica Tisch: ‘The Rules of the Road’ Were Written for Cars

Hey, Commissioner, listen to this historian: When rules recognize reality, suiting the distinct needs of categorically different users, everybody wins.

May 19, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: ‘Hey, Sean, We’re Walking Here’ Edition

The federal Transportation secretary once again shows how little he knows about urban transportation. Plus other news.

May 19, 2025
See all posts