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Motorists Brake for Fuel Prices

Drivers try to get savings any way they can, even if it means slowing down

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2008 4:38 PM CDT
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(Newser) – It’s common knowledge that driving a little slower makes more efficient use of gas. And with fuel prices sky-high, some drivers are actually throttling back in hopes of feeling less pain at the pump, the AP reports. Vacation drivers and truckers alike are heeding experts’ advice that cars are most efficient between 30 and 60 mph, and become increasingly inefficient over 65 mph.

"I'm saving between $100 and $200 a week by cutting back from 72-73 mph to 60-65 mph," said one trucker, who said he didn’t believe the slowdown affected his route times. "On the East Coast, what are you going to lose, 10 minutes? You know as soon as you step on it you're going to hit traffic anyway."

A rented Cruise America RV drives on Highway 101 in San Francisco, May 25, 2007. With $4 a gallon on the horizon, some motorists are lightening up on the gas pedal.
A rented Cruise America RV drives on Highway 101 in San Francisco, May 25, 2007. With $4 a gallon on the horizon, some motorists are lightening up on the gas pedal.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Some US motorists are slowing down to save on expensive fuel.
Some US motorists are slowing down to save on expensive fuel.   (Shutterstock)
Writer Carey J. Williams is shown in his motorcycle's mirror as he drives to Valdez, Ala., July 13, 2007. Speeds between 30 and 60mph are most efficient for most vehicles, experts say.
Writer Carey J. Williams is shown in his motorcycle's mirror as he drives to Valdez, Ala., July 13, 2007. Speeds between 30 and 60mph are most efficient for most vehicles, experts say.   (AP Photo/Carey J. Williams)
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