[slowmover]

Four seconds should be the minimum distance behind, or ahead of any tractor trailer. I drive one for work into and out of the oilfield at present. And on Interstate down to nearly the smallest roads (45-mph limit), four seconds is the minimum one should keep, IMO.

As to "strategy", planning ones trip in advance (rest breaks, fuel stops, stops for food) should be done a day ahead of time. Break out the trip into legs of around two-hours or 100-miles. Use online tools for this, from Google maps to fuel station locators, state maps of rest areas, etc.

The ease afforded by not having to make decisions about where to stop once one is driving translates into a more rested attitude behind the wheel. I do this for a living, remember? Energy lost is not regained that day . . ever. Even small squabbles with co-workers (worst, with spouses) are notable distractions when behind the wheel. And best road performance by a driver -- for fuel economy and other purposes -- is when no consequential decisions have to be considered, much less decided. Driving is no time to do this. Thus, where and when to stop is a stress in that category.

Having a mental map of the day ahead translates directly into best time & distance performance as all actions are smooth & coordinated.

Pack food & beverages to always give a backup to plans made in advance.

And, finally: the cretins will drive along in their packs, bumper-to-bumper. Affect an overhead view of the highway, as if from a small plane, and place yourself outside of these packs. I slow to let others pass (as convenient), and slow well in advance of gaining on a pack backed up behind a slowmover, keeping a significant distance from them. If another pack gains on me, I'll consider getting off the road for fifteen minutes.

When times and distances are understood in advance (average mph for the trip based on estimates for each trip leg), attention paid to details of vehicle performance are maximized.

But not otherwise, IMO.

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