In the more northern regions, they're allowed to have more volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in the winter fuel. That's not the only thing that kills winter fuel economy though. In the summer, my Dakota shifts into overdrive as soon as I get out of town. In the winter, it takes about 7 miles before it shifts. Lubricants and tires are stiffer, warm up times (even if you warm it up while driving). I think automatics are worse, but it hurts with manuals too.
I prefer roundabouts to stop signs myself. Once the traffic gets too heavy stoplights are better, but properly designed roundabouts are a good choice for moderate traffic.
The wife of the guy that rents my parents' property kept going around on one until she got pulled over. The cop got her off of the roundabout and she ended up going the wrong way.
