Higher speed not as bad as I thought

[smay665949]

Thats cool that you get that kind of milage. Maybe you can help me understand your goals. Do you want to save yourself money on gas or do you want to save the environment, dependence on foreign oil etc. by using less gas/diesel (cumulative)?

Imagine a 2 lane interstate (1 way) and a 75 mph zone with someone driving in the right lane at 50mph. Big rigs that have to make a schedule are trying to run as close to the speed limit as possible. When they come on someone driving 50 they have to slow down to 50 mph and wait for a chance to pass. When they finally get a chance to pass they consume more additional fuel in 2 minutes than the 50 mph car will in an hour. Then add 3 cars that want to drive the posted speed limit who have to slow down for the truck. It’s a snowball effect that ends up wasting not saving gas/diesel (cumulative).

Understand that I am talking about driving away from congested areas with long stretches between stops. In congested areas this won’t work unless you’re on the autobahn in Germany.

[2TonJellyBean]

I get your point... but I don't totally agree and I do want to save my gas. I'm cheap and proud! ;-)

Nearly all cars are hugely less efficient at that speed (75 MPH)... many drivers know this and drive at better speeds. The maximum is just that. People should be free to drive at a speed up to the maximum but at least at the minimum posted and then do what;s best for them.

As for fuel losses it really depends on how much they are paying attention. If they have to hit the brakes they lose big time. If they decide to floor it, they lose again big time. Speed bleeds pretty easily at that speed, I'd say many cars would have a net gain - same rationale as pulse and glide.

I'd actually like to see speeds reduced near the crests of all hills to encourage more eco driving.

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by smay665949

Imagine a 2 lane interstate (1 way) and a 75 mph zone with someone driving in the right lane at 50mph. Big rigs that have to make a schedule are trying to run as close to the speed limit as possible.

On my cross country trips over the summer, a great deal of the long distance truckers were hanging around 55-65 on the flats (speed limit being 70-75). It's cheaper for them to go slower and save on fuel then get paid a little more for faster delivery - the gents I met got paid by the mile, and while there was a schedule to keep, they said they could go at slower speeds and keep it without any extra long hours.

Maybe it was just my route - but it makes complete sense to me