Drive Slower!

With gas prices reaching $4/gallon, there is an easy way for you to save money at the pump if you simply must drive.

Slow Down!

The friendly folks over at the San Francisco Chronicle did some reseach and concluded that "how much you stand to save depends on a lot of factors. With gas at $4 a gallon, a driver with a long commute - 400 miles a week - and a gas-guzzling vehicle getting only 20 mpg would save $18.74 a week by slowing down dramatically from 75 to 55 mph, extrapolating from the government's most recent figures on the subject. Even a more moderate deceleration - from 70 to 60 mph - would save that driver $11.74 a week."

The Chronicle reporter went out on a test drive at 59 miles per hour and waited to see how many cars he would pass. He reported that "even through the 50 mph zone through downtown, nobody was driving slower than 60. It took a couple miles of driving to tally the first slow-moving fuel saver."

Have you tried to slow down your driving? How did it go?

Comments

[Ty]

I live in a fairly rural community with a 75 MPH interstate running through. I have driven between 60-65 on my 15 mile highway commute for the past two years. I notice both increased gas mileage in my vehicle, and that most people prefer the speed limit or faster. I have also noticed that I have to save a couple of extra minutes to make this commute which in turn makes for a more relaxing drive because I am not caught up in the hustle of all the other crazies.

[slywlf]

I have indeed found my gas mileage has improved significantly as I have slowed down. I live in a rural area where everything is a minimum of 5 miles away, usually 15 - 30 miles. By leaving myself a couple extra minutes travel time, sticking to the speed limit, or better yet a bit below, and also setting my cruise control, my gas mileage has improved, even though I drive an efficient car. I also find myself much more relaxed now that I am no longer letting other peoples speed dictate my own. They want to break the law, they can pass me :-)

[Barb Gillespie]

My husband and I recently replaced our 7 passenger van with a new Prius. The mileage info provided on our screen has helped us realize the significant difference in mpg one gets by slowing down, coasting to stop signs and accelerating slowly from a stop. It's now become a contest to see which of us can bring the mileage in town up the highest. I'm winning so far, averaging 42.9, but he's determined to pull ahead. Our lead footed days are over. All vehicles should come equipped with this important info for drivers.

[Zach]

I'm a collge student that has a 4 hour drive home to visit my parents. By switching my route from a 70 mph highway to a slightly longer 55 mph highway, I save over a quarter a tank of gas (one way). At almost $4/gal, that's over $20 bucks saved. A suprising benefit is that the 55 mph highway is more scenic and much less stressful.

[Patricia]

I recently bought a new car and I can set it to display current MPG - it has made such a difference in how I drive. I am now constantly aware of how my driving affects my mileage so it makes me drive more efficiently. No more fast accelerations or quick stops. And I've slowed down on the highway too.

[Peter Kugler]

With my Prius I am able to view my current MPG as I drive. There is a several mile per gallon savings just between 60 and 65. And, if you do the math the time difference is minimal even at higher speeds.

[Donna]

I decided to test the slower driving theory on my way to Buffalo last weekend. I drove 70 mph versus the usual 80 mph and ended up increasing my gas mileage to over 40 miles per gallon. I was so impressed and am now committed to a slower, more relaxing, driving style. I was very happy with the increased mileage but was equally excited that the trip was much less stressful than it usually is. The benefits of mindful driving far outweigh getting to the destination a few minutes earlier!

[Gae Johnson]

I live in the Type A Washington, DC area, where people regularly drive 65-80 on our 55 mph highways. I have tried to drive the speed limit, but am constantly in fear of being rear ended in the RIGHT LANE. So I have compromised and now drive 60 and just let people pass me with the one-fingered salute, their other hand glued to their cell phone. I may not save as much gas in my Vibe (which I need for transporting my son's double bass) but I feel better.

[Sheri]

I have also made a conscious effort to slow down during my 35 mile commute to work in the Houston area. It's not as hard as it looks driving the posted 65 MPH with other drivers whizzing by at 75-80 MPH. It is definitely more relaxing and rewarding in a way to take action and save money and be more environmentally friendly. I call our efforts "VROOM!" (voluntary reduction optimizes overall mileage!)
Peace!

[Wren Osborn]

It is way past time for the federal government to change the federal highway speed limit to 55 mph. It could be done simply and inexpensively by pasting a 5 over the 6 on the current speed limit signs. It could be done but will not be done until Congress is pushed to act since Bush will not go for anything that doesn’t enrich his buddies. Nixon had the sense to do it.

[Joe Rosado]

I aways drive the speed limit and enjoy much better gas mileage, but it does cause hostility among other drivers. People get aggressive and do stupid things like passing where they aren't allowed. I wish the municipalities and state highway patrols would get more strict with speed enforcement. You would think with gasoline being such a strong influence on the economy the government would use the laws it already has in place to curb it's use. The added revenue can't hurt in tax strapped communities either. Add in the fact that every dollar spent on gas sends some money directly into the hands of terrorists and I am shocked that anyone speeds at all and that we let those that do get away with it.

[Susan Castner-Paine]

On the San Francisco peninsula, 85 is the fast lane speed, and I used to "go with the flow." Because I have to drive 87 miles a day, I knew I was wasting a ton of gas, and dropped down to 55 three years ago - in the slow lane. I save over a gallon a trip - about $4.00. Initially I was somewhat intimidated by high speed drivers who wanted all four lanes and would ride up on my tail. I simply don't even look anymore. They no longer bother be, and I think most have reconciled themselves to endangering themselves in only three lanes. Simple rules: leave home five minutes early, and drive in such a way that you don't have to use your brakes.

[terri]

I set my cruise on 63-64 on my 18 mile commute home each way. I have an older minivan so I don't have the ability to see how much I save, but it is definitely calmer, even with everyone whizzing by.

[Monica]

Since last Fall I typically drive my car 55-60 mph on the 65 mph highway, and while it does take a few minutes more (5), I am more relaxed in the morning during my commute and have noticed myself stretching out my gas station visits. I do get scared driving in the right lanes because of the aggressiveness of morning drivers on the road, but I hope that a law is enacted soon...many people seem to be getting worse behind the wheel with their cell phones, makeup applying, eating-while-driving habits.

[Ashleigh]

I have a 15 mile one way commute to meet my carpool every morning. Every 5th week I have to drive the full trip to work which is 40 miles one way. I bought a 2008 Civic in December and wanted to break it in right. I drive 60-65 mph on the interstate and get passed all the time. I can see the irritability in people's glances as they pass me, but what do I care - I'm averaging 38 mpg...and it's not even a hybrid!

[Suzanne]

I was thinking about this very topic this morning as I was returning from my morning run. I have definitely modified my driving habits mostly by coasting more, by not accelerating quickly after stopping, and by leaving my car at home at least one day a week.

[barry]

Speed is one waste of course but so is sitting by idly- ie sitting in A/c comfort when the outside temperature is comfortable or talking on the phone- all done with the engine at idle. If I remember correctly cars use approx 0.5-1.0 gal per hour in idle- that is about 6 cents per minute surcharge on the "free" phone call or the same to sit on chunky buttock in A/C or a line of cars waiting for your favorite take-out

[interested person]

Does it make a difference if you drive slowly in traffic in the city? Instead of 35 mph, you drive 25 mph?

[Dora]

Hi! I'm a slow driver, and I do travel in the right lane, but it frightens me how close people follow! It seems like they could count my toddler's teeth through the rear window! And I have been the root of several accidents, from people not leaving enough room to brake while expecting me to drive as aggresively as they do. Eek! I know it saves me gas, but I get terribly anxious on the highway with my babies in the car. I wonder what I could do to tell people to back up and be safer?

[Cyndi Kosmicki]

I also drive the speed limit, I enjoy slowing down and I drive in the right hand lane but people are so crazy out there, the get so close behind you. I have noticed a change in my fuel consumption going at a slower pace, also starting out slow seems to help with fuel economy. So many people start off like they are in a race or something.

Please America Slow Down!!

[Mike]

I am in the market for a bumper sticker that says "This car travels no faster than the speed limit" so that I can let others know why I am lazing along - saving gas and blood pressure tablets - while others come too close or honk or are otherwise obnoxious. Anyone marketing such a sticker??

[Scrooge McDuck]

Give me a break!

400 miles at 75 takes 5.3 hours.

400 miles at 55 takes 7.2 hours.

400 miles at 20 mpg takes 20 gallons or $80.

400 miles at 15 mpg takes 26.7 gallons or $107.

You're saving $13.5 an hour tax free dollars.

Wear and tear on your automobile?

You be the judge!

[Pat Anderson]

I find I can stretch my gas a bit farther by driving 55 mph on I-84 in Portland,OR. I will add that every single car on the freeway passes me and I rarely, if ever, pass anyone else.

[Pamela]

Did you see the article in Readers Digest about the 150mpg drive? Look it up--you will enjoy it. I love it when I go the speed limit and the car that zips around me and cuts off several drivers, ends up right in front of me at the red light. Sweet feeling of justice.

[kelli]

Question- does going slower, no matter what the speed, always save gas? Or is it only efficient above a certain speed and below, say 55?