A couple days ago CNN reported that the Georgia emissions test was incompatible with the 2004 Toyota Prius. The hybrid’s engine cuts off when the car is not moving, resulting in a “fail” that Georgia automatically waives. Blogs ran the story with headlines like “Toyota Prius Fails Georgia Emissions Test.”

This re-ignited the usual pro/anti debate on the Prius. The anti crowd read the headline and was overjoyed, figuring that this story provided more evidence for their cause. Most people have no strong opinion on the Prius, but likely were left with the impression that the Prius has an emissions problem.

It’s obvious why the headline was chosen: the Prius “failing” an emissions test would get far more attention than a story about a poorly designed test that is only used in Georgia. After all, who outside Georgia has any use for information on Georgia emissions tests? No one.

But many people only read the headlines, so this story was bound to misinform more people than it informed. The people writing these blogs are certainly aware of this. Problem is, attracting readers is apparently a much higher priority than passing on accurate information.