Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Influencing Busy Four-Lane Highway/Freeway Speeds to Increase FE

Christ · 10-27-2009, 01:48 AM

I don't advocate long trips on the highway at less than 55 MPH. I will not go under 45 on the highway, unless I'm speeding up or slowing down.

Part of your mileage effect at higher speeds can also be derived from a "corridor" effect, if you're keeping with traffic at that time.

I've seen trucks that would run you off the road if they were so inclined. I've also followed them for less than legal reasons, after a couple of them tried.

Also, one of the only two accidents I've been involved in on the road was a matter of some moron driving like a moron. I eventually ran him off the road because of the potential for a head-on collision. The cop arrested him. Details would include that I was driving the speed limit, he was on the side of the road "coasting" (I guess) with his hazard lights on, so I leaned left and passed him about halfway over the double yellow line in a passing zone at 35-40 MPH. I was just pulling off a side road, so I wasn't going 55 yet, and he decided while I was passing him, he was going to basically floor it, force me all the way into the other lane, then attempt to keep speed with me so that I couldn't get back over. I saw what appeared to be headlights in front of me (night time), so I slammed my Mazda B2200 into his rear door as "gently" as I could, to "push" him over some so we'd fit three wide on the rural road. Turns out I saw a four wheeler's spot light, and there was no real reason to push him over, but the officer understood the situation and made the arrest anyway.

That's the only situation I've been in like that, and hopefully, I never have to make the choice again like that. I try to drive safely first, economically second. There is a point where safety is relative, though. The driver can't always control the situation, I agree to a point, but many of us could do so much more to at least prepare for a situation.

BTW - I know what the 318Ti looks like. I'd like to get an older 3 series or a newer 1 series.

10-27-2009, 01:48 AM	#32 (permalink)
Christ Moderate your Moderation. Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Troy, Pa. Posts: 8,919 Pasta - '96 Volkswagen Passat TDi 90 day: 45.22 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,369 Thanked 430 Times in 353 Posts	I don't advocate long trips on the highway at less than 55 MPH. I will not go under 45 on the highway, unless I'm speeding up or slowing down. Part of your mileage effect at higher speeds can also be derived from a "corridor" effect, if you're keeping with traffic at that time. I've seen trucks that would run you off the road if they were so inclined. I've also followed them for less than legal reasons, after a couple of them tried. Also, one of the only two accidents I've been involved in on the road was a matter of some moron driving like a moron. I eventually ran him off the road because of the potential for a head-on collision. The cop arrested him. Details would include that I was driving the speed limit, he was on the side of the road "coasting" (I guess) with his hazard lights on, so I leaned left and passed him about halfway over the double yellow line in a passing zone at 35-40 MPH. I was just pulling off a side road, so I wasn't going 55 yet, and he decided while I was passing him, he was going to basically floor it, force me all the way into the other lane, then attempt to keep speed with me so that I couldn't get back over. I saw what appeared to be headlights in front of me (night time), so I slammed my Mazda B2200 into his rear door as "gently" as I could, to "push" him over some so we'd fit three wide on the rural road. Turns out I saw a four wheeler's spot light, and there was no real reason to push him over, but the officer understood the situation and made the arrest anyway. That's the only situation I've been in like that, and hopefully, I never have to make the choice again like that. I try to drive safely first, economically second. There is a point where safety is relative, though. The driver can't always control the situation, I agree to a point, but many of us could do so much more to at least prepare for a situation. BTW - I know what the 318Ti looks like. I'd like to get an older 3 series or a newer 1 series. __________________ "¿ʞɐǝɹɟ ɐ ǝɹ,noʎ uǝɥʍ 'ʇı ʇ,usı 'ʎlǝuol s,ʇı"