Hey y'all,
so I am not new to this site, but I am new to voicing myself/posting on here. Bear with me cuz I'm a talker. I have very recently started to hypermile and eco-mod my 98 Ford Escort ZX2 for greater FE. And it's been going great! Started in the low 30's for FE, and today I had a personal best trip of 44.9 mpg over the 32.8 miles from my college to home
But I'm considering giving up being dedicated to eco-driving
Hear me out y'all.
I'm scared that my driving technique is going to cost someone their life. Over the past couple weeks, I have had several instances of other people using nothing but complete stupidity with me, such as passing me and the other 2-3 cars behind me with a double line heading into a curve! The scariest one was today when a young woman passed the 18-wheeler behind me and me going downhill
with vehicles approaching her head-on. The big rig slammed on brakes and I nearly hit the ditch while N-coasting to give her room. She was able to get behind me in time... but dag gone! Has shook me up. I seriously do not want anyone to get hurt because of me... even if they don't use their best judgement trying to save 45 seconds of off a trip.
It might be beneficial to tell my driving habits... I accelerate with the SG LOAD reading ~60% and then cruise 48-52 mph where the speed limit is 55. Coasting down hills is something I do when someone is behind if I know I won't lose more than 2-3 mph. I'm not doing very drastic stuff... and I live out in the country for all it is worth! These are moderately used country roads (Route 50/55, 701 in North Carolina). You'd think people around here would not be in a hurry... but oh are they ever.
I know that these people are just ignorant and don't realize what I'm doing... nor what they're doing. I do not want anyone hurt or killed... they have people who need and love them, and I have compassion on them. It irritates me and hurts my heart at the same time to see this. Trying to be different and save gas with my vehicle is tougher than it appeared... I could use some encouragement and some wisdom from fellow EcoModders.
Thank y'all in advance. Look foward to hearing what others did as EcoNoobs in regards to overly aggressive drivers.
JP
P.S. - I cannot not give a crap... it is against my nature