Save fuel or 7 minutes. Happy speeder commute advice.!

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2006 the average time to commute from home to work ranges between 15 and 31 minutes. The average was 25 miles. O.K., I drive 26 miles, each way, and it takes me 45 - 120 minutes. Atlanta must not be very average... According to the US Department of Energy, for each 5 mph you drive over 55 mph, you lose 6% of efficiency. So, at 75 mph, that would be 24% less efficient. If gas costs $3.99 per gallon, you’re really paying closer to $5.00 per gallon. No WAY! , you SAY?! Let’s compare the fuel cost of your trip to work at 55 mph speed versus 75 mph. If your car averages 25 mpg, then your 25 mile commute at 55 mph will cost you 1 gallon of gas, which is $3.99. If you drive 75 mph tomorrow, (that darn snooze button), and your fuel efficiency drops by 24%, then you could say that the trip cost 24% more, or $4.95. At 75 mph, you spend @ 96 cents more to get to work. If you make this trip 250 times, that’s $240.00 extra one way - $480.00 both ways -(who goes to work and doesn't come home?). All other things being equal ( which they aren't, but just pretend) the increased speed got you to work @ 7 minutes sooner. If you are running 5 minutes late, getting to work 7 minutes faster than usual is a blessing, and you have the right to spend 96 cents to drive 75 mph. Interstate 285 here in Atlanta has a speed limit of 55 mph, and I would never encourage breaking the law, so if you do speed, speed at your own risk. These calculations are based on an article from THE NEW YORK TIMES blog: Blueprint for Financial Prosperity. The math is dependent on several other factors not taken into account, so the estimate is just an ESTIMATE! For an excellent list of gas saving tips, you can refer to this WIKI article: How to Increase Fuel Mileage on a Car