Here's something that the speeders in the audience should think about as it applies to fuel economy: The less efficiently you drive, the worse your fuel economy will be, ergo, the more you are spending on gas. During morning and afternoon "drive time" (not rush hour), not only should you drive the speed limit, you should perhaps drive a little slower. The problem you cause while speeding to get ahead of everyone is that enough other people are doing the same thing, and voila! A traffic jam forms. Now we're standing on our brakes, loosing all that expensive momentum we built up. And then we sit in a long line of traffic, engines idling uselessly, wasting fuel, and then we all have to accellerate again, which as some point out is when the engine's efficiency is in the basement. The roads we have only have so much "bandwidth" ,if you will, so...slow down...leave a little earlier. Remember, there is no place on this earth that you have to get to that is so important it justifies stepping on anyone else to get there. When you are blowing other people's doors off, that is like an assault with a deadly weopon. A lot of people "fudge" and go 5 over the limit, but I have seen a preponderance of other drivers who are exceeding the limit by way more than that. I've clocked you. You're going 85 and 90. Do the math, what is our speed differential, and what do you think will happen to the person you rear-end at that speed?
Dave
of NC
@
Mar 16, 2008 01:43:20 AM
Slow down? during "rush" hour?
I can read the signs as well as anyone, in big ol' 2 foot numbers they say "45". Even so, on this stretch of Business 40, it should be more like 40 or 35 due to the really bad design of that road. Does anyone but me drive this stretch at 45? No, are you kidding? Where are the cops to catch these yahoo's blowing my doors off at 65 or 70 EVERY morning, and giving me the finger as they go? Like a pipe, the road can only take so much flow. The speeders cause what I call "bunching" which is the cause of traffic jams, and even more fuel wastage than the speeding causes, not to mention all the frayed nerves. If you are late for work, who's fault is that? Does it justify endangering everyone else on the road? I watch and I see: Most of you don't know what you should be doing as captain of your vehicle; I think your driving is just rubbish. You need to put down the cell, put down the make-up, and just drive like you know you're supposed to, like you care about others. It's like, don't you know what yield means? And what part of Stop didn't you understand? Being grabby on the highway is just plain selfish, as well as dangerous and I'm sure you weren't raised to be like that! All this stuff, driving, consideration, slowing down, etc ties in to good fuel economy, and with 4 dollar gas coming in the next month or so, we need to conserve as never before.
So don't curse the "idiot" driving at the posted speed limit, and then complain about how much you're spending on gas. If you don't want to adjust, take your lumps.
Bradley
of NC
@
Mar 16, 2008 01:24:01 AM
Saving gas
I have a 1998 Ford Contour which has had one tune up, and regular oil and filter changes. I have been getting 20 MPG city and 29 Hway. I have changed the way I drive and now get 25-30 in the city, and 50 HWay. I coast when I can. In m city I know the lights and coast on reds, or shut engine off for long lights. I also rode my bike to work for nine round trips of mi in the last 2 weeks. I have not even used an 1/8th of a tank!
On the freeway I use cruise control and go about 60-65 at a safe distance behind a truck, because they adjust their speed and make lane changes long before regular drivers. I love the fact that all you folks passing me pull me along with your wasted energy! And yes, my car is paid for!
Seorsa
of CA
@
Mar 15, 2008 23:35:23 PM
slow down save fuel
I feel it is everybodys best interest to slow down, save fuel, increase engine life, reduce fuel demand, increase tire life, walk, ride a bike, car pool!
jim
of WI
@
Mar 15, 2008 23:35:17 PM
Driving efficiently
After having been laid off from my job in hospital adminitration, I accepted a position from my old boss. The problem is I have to drive 85 miles one way to work. We are placing our home on the market (not a good time for that, either) and plan to relocate, but in the meantime I have my daily commute.
My old '88 Mustang Convertible with a 5 liter V8, even with a 5 speed transmission, is known for getting poor mileage. But, I am commuting in the opposite direction of the rest of the commuters so I can set my cruise control at 62 mph and listen to my CD's. Incredibly, I am getting just a tick over 30 mpg. I have gone to the same pump at the same gas station to make sure everything is equal. The only explanation for the mileage is my steady, slow speed. (I did just have a quality tuneup, which helps as well.) In addition, I am being easy on my car and I enjoy the stress-free commute. Slowing down is not such a bad thing. I just leave 15 minutes earlier to allow for the slower speed. Is that so bad?
Mike Swanson
of CA
@
Mar 15, 2008 21:50:42 PM
More than the speed limit
I too remember the 73 oil embargo. I remember the Government providing many tips to save gas like slow starts at green lights, as well as all forms of energy. Do you remember the stickers reminding us to turn off the lights?
I wonder why there isn't more effort like the 70's to save energy?
States would do well to incorporate more bike paths connecting those places we go to shop. Maybe more of us would use this other method of travel if our lifes were not in danger by vehicle on congested roadways.
of LA
@
Mar 15, 2008 21:45:28 PM
Move Over
If you're going to slow down to save a couple cents...MOVE OVER and get out of the way for the rest of us...PLEASE
Greg
of FL
@
Mar 15, 2008 21:42:48 PM
Air turbulence
The truth is that the best fuel efficiency is achieved at a low speed since at high speeds the air flow gets turbulent. You should have noticed that when driving at 55 mph you have to accelerate maybe for 5 seconds of every minute, while if you drive at 75 mph you have to keep accelerating most of the time. By the way, the guy who mentioned airplanes is completely right, and it is easier to see since airplanes have a fuel flow gauge (which cars should also have). And another thing: keep you windows closed
OKR
@
Mar 15, 2008 21:41:39 PM
I like to ride my bicycle
I ride my bike to work when the weather permits it. It is about 6 miles each way. I save money on gas and get a good workout too.
On the MPG subject I also believe that my vehicle, a 2000 Pontiac Bonneville, gets the best gas mileage at around 70-75mph. This car is still under 2500 RPMs until about 80 MPH. Lucky for me the speed limit is still 70 in Michigan.
Please stay in the right lane if you want to drive 55!
Tommy
of MI
@
Mar 15, 2008 20:56:42 PM
Improved MPG
If your car has cruise control, use it. ECU is better than your foot is. Get used to using is to speed up and slow down. Corners feel a little different, but practice makes perfect.
STOP TAILGATING. This leads to excessive braking and accelerating, not to mention causes traffic problems.
Time your coasting instead of braking. This saves wear on your brakes and gas in your tank. If you have a manual transmission, place car in neutral and coast to slow down. It takes some practice but works.
Dave of NC @ Mar 16, 2008 01:43:20 AM
Bradley of NC @ Mar 16, 2008 01:24:01 AM
Seorsa of CA @ Mar 15, 2008 23:35:23 PM
jim of WI @ Mar 15, 2008 23:35:17 PM
Mike Swanson of CA @ Mar 15, 2008 21:50:42 PM
of LA @ Mar 15, 2008 21:45:28 PM
Greg of FL @ Mar 15, 2008 21:42:48 PM
OKR @ Mar 15, 2008 21:41:39 PM
Tommy of MI @ Mar 15, 2008 20:56:42 PM
Kevin of OR @ Mar 15, 2008 20:34:42 PM
Back to blog