It was just about 8 years ago I was asked – as part of a job interview, no less! – if I was a teetotaler. Well, I wasn’t and I’m not…I was hired (thanks for the vote of confidence Lu, despite your question :), and I quickly established myself as the local curmudgeon. So perhaps this post comes as no surprise to most of you, but I hope you’ll read on!
When we bought our car last year, high gas prices were still in the conscience of the news media, and thus we were seemingly always hearing of ways to improve your fuel economy. One of the ways is to drive slower. There’s lots of varying opinions on this, but the general fact is that most cars get the best fuel economy somewhere between 40 and 65 mph. Faster than that, and you’re expending more energy (fuel) to overcome the aerodynamics of the car than it is worth it in the mph increase.
So I decided at the time I would hold myself to 65mph on highways, unless I HAD to pass or for some reason it was unsafe at that speed. Of course, we haven’t really done much driving in the past year (about 4,000 miles), so I haven’t had much of a chance to exercise this practice. Segue to our first official road trip these past few days…
I did indeed hold to 65mph the last four days, almost up to Canada and back. (More on that coming soonish.) And here’s what I learned:
1. You really do get better gas mileage (duh)
2. It’s very easy to drive in the right lane – you just set the cruise control, and let everyone pass you (assuming you’re in somewhat heavy traffic). None of this constant pushing the accel to pass or tapping the brakes because there’s some slowpoke ahead of you – you are the slowpoke!
3. Your significant other gets over it – after announcing you are officially old – and then starts to appreciate your eco-sense and cheers as others stay out of your way (zooming past you) so they don’t ruin your non-touching-a-gas-or-brake-pedal mojo
4. You really don’t get to your destination that much later – especially if you fail to look at a map and get lost on your way home – but hey, lesson learned ok?!
So this is probably something you dear readers already know and practice, but if not, give the right lane a chance. You may like it!
Responses to “In Defense of the Right Lane
(or, I’m officially old now – says Adrienne)”
July 13th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I’m still experimenting with my diesel to find the best speed:mileage ratio on the highways, but it seems to be between 55 and 60 mph where I get just shy of 50 mpg. So I’m a real slowpoke, basically.
July 13th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
I should note that my previous practice was to hold it to speed limit + ~7mph. So it’s not like I’m making a huge change, but it’s enough to make a difference. And on our roads where most seem to do at least 75mph, it is slow!
July 12th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Way to be you David. Love ya!