Ban self-serve gas? Poll shows growing interest in full-service

It’s wet. It’s cold. Your hands end up smelling like gasoline. What if you could just stay in the car?

Support is growing in Washington to require gas station attendants to pump your gas for you, according to a recent insurance company poll.

While most drivers still oppose mandated full service (51 percent), 4 in 10 said they’d lean toward or strongly favor required assistance at the pump, Pemco Insurance reported. That’s up from one-third of Washington drivers the company polled in a similar 2012 survey, when over 60 percent said “no” to the idea.

Oregon and New Jersey are the only two states to ban self-service refueling. However, Oregon recently softened its law to allow self-service in rural areas at night. The new law took effect in January.

Oregon drivers still largely support their full-service laws (69 percent), thanks in part to women, who are more likely to favor staying in the vehicle.

Oregon banned self-service in 1951 for safety reasons and, later, continued the law on the basis of creating jobs.

One explanatory caveat: In this case, “full-service” is really just talking about pumping gas — not wiping down windshields or topping off fluids.

What do you think? Should Washington ban self-service gas? What’s your favorite Snohomish County fuel station that still offers a full-service pump?

Send me your thoughts at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com.

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