Live Green Cincinnati: Slow down to green up

May 5, 2008

Slow down to green up

Did you know that driving fast uses more fuel than driving the speed limit?

From an article on CNNMoney.com:
In a typical family sedan, every 10 miles per hour you drive over 60 is like the price of gasoline going up about 54 cents a gallon. That figure will be even higher for less fuel-efficient vehicles that go fewer miles on a gallon to start with.

In fact, the 55 mph speed limits we have on most local highways today was enacted during the energy crisis of the 70's to help conserve fuel.

As gas prices climb, if you need to balance your budget, you have two options at your disposal: driving better and driving less.

Consider some of the hypermiling rules to drive better, and keep in mind that fast accelerating and fast driving uses a lot more gas than cruising. Walk when you can, and be efficient when you drive by being mindful of your speed, combining trips, and carpooling when possible. When you have to drive, slow down, enjoy the view, and share the road with a bicyclist.

For more information in green transportation, check out these past Live Green Cincinnati articles:

If truck drivers could do like TANK and Metro.

Go a long way on a little gas.

Car free and carefree, even in Cincinnati.

Metro's carbon conscience.

Labels: green transportation, hypermiling, reduce consumption