I really like this game.

[user removed]

My tactics are far from what might be considered extreme. I think if a policeman was riding in my passengers seat he would be asleep in about 20 minutes.

regards
Mech

[ps2fixer]

Originally Posted by pete c

there is another benefit to the game.

i feel it helps keep me alive.

i am talking about driving tired. i have always had trouble with this. and i am not talking about driving at 2 AM. more often it's 2 PM. something about middle of the afternoon and my body wanting to take a siesta.

aggressive hypermiling forces the driver to pay very close attention to what's going on. and if i am concentrating on hypermiling, i am not dozing off.

it pisses me off that hypermiling is looked upon by law enforcement as wreckless and dangerous. i think it is the opposite.

I had similar issues, but due to working a midnight shift 10 hours a day, 8 days in a row, and a 45-50 min drive to work. Driving home I would be tired and be bright outside. Tried several tricks (loud radio, window down (winter), etc and nothing worked that great. Lately I found if I eat some sort of snack, I'm not only more alert, but I feel less sleepy. I eat things like combos, jolly ranchers, etc. Energy drinks help as well, but $2.50+ each, it gets costly.

Driving sleepy is not only risky for you, but others. I was in a wreck about a month ago from carbon monoxide poisoning (exhaust leak on a car I don't normally drive) where I passed out, went across the road, and ended up in the ditch waking up to a nice driveway and an airbag to the face. No one injured, and the driveway was fine, but could have ended in a head on with both drivers dieing.

*On Topic*

I may have found what caused my MPG gain while following my dad, my engine retards the timing when it is on a low load at a given speed which oddly gives me around a 15-20% increase in MPG at 45mph while I can maintain it.

[user removed]

Originally Posted by ps2fixer

I had similar issues, but due to working a midnight shift 10 hours a day, 8 days in a row, and a 45-50 min drive to work. Driving home I would be tired and be bright outside. Tried several tricks (loud radio, window down (winter), etc and nothing worked that great. Lately I found if I eat some sort of snake, I'm not only more alert, but I feel less sleepy. I eat things like combos, jolly ranchers, etc. Energy drinks help as well, but $2.50+ each, it gets costly.

Driving sleepy is not only risky for you, but others. I was in a wreck about a month ago from carbon monoxide poisoning (exhaust leak on a car I don't normally drive) where I passed out, went across the road, and ended up in the ditch waking up to a nice driveway and an airbag to the face. No one injured, and the driveway was fine, but could have ended in a head on with both drivers dieing.

*On Topic*

I may have found what caused my MPG gain while following my dad, my engine retards the timing when it is on a low load at a given speed which oddly gives me around a 15-20% increase in MPG at 45mph while I can maintain it.

I was wondering about the "snake" eating helping you stay awake. Then it dawned on me you were actually referring to a snack.
A sugar rush is good for a few miles.

regards
Mech

[ps2fixer]

Haha!, I'm tired.... where are my SNAKES!

Corrected in original post.

[Tango Charlie]

No snakes, but I might try some gummy worms.

[skyking]

It is fun
I am so lucky that I have a route to drive across the mountains that is virtually without any traffic. I can coast down a 10 mile long run at any speed I want, descending from 4500 feet down to about 2000 feet. WHEEEEEEEE!
My sister came over the other day on this route, and she thinks they met 7 cars in 80 miles.
Much of the traffic is milk trucks and chip haulers, these guys are great for mileage too. They don't want to speed, and the bad hills have a passing lane so you can get around them if they cramp your style too much.

[SoLarry]

Earlier this week I had to take a trip from Auburn, Maine to Burlington, Massachusetts, which is about 130-140 miles. The majority of the trip is interstate driving, 3 to 4 lanes. It was a beautiful day for a drive, and decided to see what kind of mpg I could get by adjusting my driving habits. I decided that I would drive at 60 mph with the cruise control on, in the slow lane. Not only was it the most relaxing and stress free drive I have taken on the interstate, I also averaged 42.5 mpg. My normal driving style (70, weaving in and out of traffic, speeding up and slowing down, etc) will get me 30-33 mpg on the highway. A small change in driving habits can yield huge results!