Spending money "for the green of it"

Since the cost of gas returned to a reasonable amount, America's obsession with saving money on fuel has been redirected. The drop in gas prices came just in time for the holidays, and probably saved retailers' bottom line from oblivion. Now that the country is focused on "the economy" and "unemployment level", the gas station has returned to being just one more stop on the commute home from a long day at work. But there is something new at the pump........ Shell is advertising a "gunk-cleaner" grade that costs about 50 cents more per gallon - Probably not a marketable product in the summer of 08, but a good investment? Which is better? A hybrid or expensive fossil fuel? Hybrids and fuel-efficient car sales remain strong (see comments about hybrid auto makers), and a clean engine runs more efficiently, so my hunch is, preventing the gunk build might save gas. But how do we know that the so-called "Shell V-power" is worth the investment? Does the benefit out-weigh the cost? Why would spending more green on what is ultimately a finite resource really make sense? It remains to be seen if a high priced premium fuel can survive the current economic "crisis". I might like to see some evidence that the gas saves money in the long-run. In the mean time, I'll stick to my own method of saving; cruising at 60 mph on a freeway that has a 65 mph speed limit. I make my choice, and others are free to make their's - for now (see more on the freedom to choose your speed). As my 7th grade teacher said: " Pay your money - take your choice" .

If you can afford it, fill up with the most expensive gasoline out there, just "for the green of it".

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Cheap gas is temporary relief.

Gas prices are falling and the painful pump is no longer an issue. Because of the economic crisis, and the pending election, the price of gas has been slowly shrinking and so has sour sentiment.

Does this mean that happy speeders can breathe a sigh of relief? Not yet. Supply of oil remains finite and there will come a day when Americans won't be able to afford our current driving habit. The countries who hate us (dare I say- our "enemies") called for oil production to be reduced when OPEC met in September. Both Iran and Libya are for reducing oil output in order to increase oil prices. United Arab Emirates and Kuwait seem to be for delaying a decision, and Saudi Arabia has yet to take a stance. Source BBC NEWS on line "Output issues loom as OPEC meets" As oil prices threaten to plummet below 50$ a barrel, the members of OPEC will debate ways to slow the declining profits. In addition to falling prices, some say the demand for oil is at it's weakest since 1993 as more oil fields open up. Even at today's prices, Venezuela and Iran, two of OPEC's 13 members, may struggle to balance their budget because they rely on energy sales for more than half of their revenue, according to estimates compiled by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Source: Ghana Broadcasting Company on line "OPEC to meet early on declining oil price"

If you don't know who "happy speeder" is, read Choose to use less fuel before the Law changes and you have No Choice! . Choosing how and when to drive are liberties that fall at the bottom of my priority list when compared to others, but they do make the list. I am willing to use all available resources to make sure that I and others who value freedom have the choices guaranteed by our Constitution. Most of all, I am willing to use all available resources, including my money and my lead foot, to reduce the effect that our enemies can have on our freedoms. I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to exercise my freedoms as an American without advancing the cause of countries that want to make those freedoms obsolete. That is why I have a sticker on the back of my car that says... Slowing down a little...Saves a lot!

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Happy speeders save fuel by driving smarter: Choose to use less fuel before the Law changes and you have No Choice!

Happy speeders save fuel by driving smarter: Choose to use less fuel before the Law changes and you have No Choice!

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Science proves Exotic cars turn women on!

Happy speeders save fuel by driving smarter: Clark Howard is a hot geek! http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/09/weve-got-some-b.html?cid=130968732#comment-130968732

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Clark Howard is a hot geek!

According to a study conducted by GM as part of the 2008 Challenge X competition: "Nearly 9 in 10 women (88 percent) say they'd rather chat up someone who owns the latest fuel-efficient car versus the latest sports car."

reported by Hank Green on the ECOGEEK website, see the full article here:EcoGeeks get all the girls By Hank Green Posted Wed May 28, 2008 1:59am PDT

Here in Atlanta there are rumors that there is a disproportionate number of single women to men. Some say there are 3x's more girls than boys. In 2000, the actual statistics were not that impressive. According to Half Sigma.com, of the non-married,non-Hispanic, working white singles in Atlanta, 55% were women and 45% were men. (Maybe the ratios depends on ethnicity, but these were the only stats I could get my hands on.)

Regardless of the odds, finding the right mate is foremost on most single folks' mind. But we may be on the precipice of a new era. Imagine if everyone drives a "smartcar". There will always be a need for load toting trucks, but gas guzzling Hummers and speed racers could go the way of the Model T. The more scarce the gas, the sexier the scooter. Looks like the times... they are a changing ...no matter who the next U.S. President is.

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Helpful Hints for avoiding a speeding ticket, part 2.

Happy Speeder shares real-life experience with strategies to keep fast driving from costing you money. Click here to read comments on first 5 tips on the blog "CNN.com shares..."

6. Watch for cutouts and modulate your speed accordingly- I can think of some stretches on familiar routes where the foliage is so thick, or the slope so steep, that I am sure there can be no trooper there with a radar gun. Not that I would speed anyway...

7. Don't speed when you are the only car on the road- Although true, this tip flies in the face of happyspeeder common sense and love of freedom. Shouldn't you feel more freedom speeding when you aren't risking the lives of others?

8. If it can be done legally, get a radar detector- I have never owned one, but I would love to know if there is a happyspeeder with a radar detector and a clean driving record out there.

9. If possible, drive a nondescript vehicle - A quick scan on the Internet reveals that most ham-n-egg opinionators poo-poo the theory that red cars are the most frequently ticketed, claiming instead that red cars receive tickets in direct proportion to the way their owner's drive them. Actually, there is some well executed scientific research indicating that viewing the color red causes specific psychological reactions in human beings. http://www.psych.rochester.edu/faculty/elliot/documents/2007_ElliotMaierMollerFriedmanMeinhardt_Color.pdf This link to the American Journal of Psychology goes to just one of several published studies on the subject. It is a well executed, double blind research study in which the scientists confirm their hypothesis that the color red in academic settings results in poor performance on tests. In addition to testing multiple sample studies in different countries with different controls, the researchers also used an EKG, and were able to measure the increase in right frontal-cortical (vs. left frontal for control colors) brain activity in response to the color red. Since red has such an effect on the human brain in academic settings, further research is needed before anyone can definitively rule out the theory that red cars receive more than their fair share of tickets.

10. Be aware that appearances count- Last but not least,if you do get pulled over BE NICE to the officer. They are much more likely to forgive an honest, law abiding, respectful citizen who "made a mistake"; than a rude,rebellious, smart-alec, putz who challenges their authority. Like the old saying goes; "you will catch more bees with honey than with vinegar!" - Can somebody tell me why anyone would be trying to catch bees in the first place?

Don't forget! You can actually insure savings by choosing to speed with fuel conservation in mind. If making money is more important to you than making time, read on at Happy Speeder.com.

The above commentary is based on the original article published July 23, 2008, entitled: "10 ways to avoid a speeding ticket" © 2008 AOL, LLC. All Rights Reserved.By Eric Peters on CNN.com/living

Happy Speeder does not condone, recommend, or support driving faster than the speed limit.

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CNN.com shares 5 ways to avoid a speeding ticket

Top ten ways to avoid a speeding ticket, first five: Cheap and easy, these suggestions might not save you gas, but they are intended to save you the cost of a speeding ticket. To me, the tips are aimed at interstate travelers, but you may see something different. I split the list for two manageable bits of travel commentary. Visit the original article here for the full story.

Drive within 5-10 mph of surrounding traffic I have been told by a reputable source that driving less than 10 mph over the speed limit is generally accepted due to the margin of error implicit in radar speed detection. To date, that theory has proven true for me, I would love to here from someone who has experienced otherwise -though.

Try to stay in the middle of the pack: Personally, I stay OUT of the pack. My mom always warned against travelling in "the pack" and I agree. Just notice how interstate wrecks usually occur: one car drifts over in to the other lane and the car behind him doesn't have time to navigate out of the way; or a sudden brake. Driving at least one car length for every 10 mph is a good rule to drive by.

Find a 'rabbit': In other words, assume a reasonable distance behind a fellow speeder, in hopes that a radar would lock on the line leader first. Much to my chagrin, I am forced to report the fallacy of this tip. I have been in the middle of three happy speeding cars pulled over. The cop asked if we were acquaintances, traveling together. "NO", but I did think there was safety in numbers. Apparently, not to a diligent traffic cop. To this day, if I am driving near a car being directed to pull over, I avoid eye contact with the patrolman so he can't wave me over as well.

Don't change lanes frequently, tailgate,or drive aggressively: Not only do you increase your risk of causing an accident, when you drive like that, you waste gas (see prior blog Save fuel or 7 minutes).

Avoid the fast lane: All I know is you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Avoiding the fast lane means driving on the right where the congestion is greater, and cars are entering and exiting the highway, so you would think being farther from on/off ramps would be safer. Also, when you are in the fast lane, you don't have to watch your left side mirror... but you had better watch in your rear-view mirror for the "AngrySpeeder". Even driving 75mph is often not fast enough, and "AngrySpeeder" will let you know how much you have inconvenienced him when he passes you after honking, flashing his lights and tailgating dangerously close to get your attention. I'll save further thoughts on this topic for another blog, like this one. See: A Civil Car is Cheap.

To summarize, I must state emphatically that though I love the thrill of speed (see blog SPEED), and I support your freedom to choose your speed(see blog CHOOSE), you are responsible for your own car, driving, speeding, and tickets ( see former speedaholic learns to slow down), ...God knows ...I have paid for my fair share.

Happy Speeder does not condone, recommend, or support driving faster than the speed limit. All Rights Reserved.

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Happy Speeder is listed on technorati - Finally!

Technorati Profile Geeze!! This was much harder than it should have been. all rights reserved
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MPG gauge: Travel news for speeders watching their fuel consumption

Measuring the success of my investment in driving style has become cumbersome. The process of documenting driving distance and deals is cheap and easy, but it can feel like a chore. By nature, a Happy Speeder seeks thrills and immediate gratification. After all, any rational thought on speeding would be linked with possible consequences, and that might diminish the high of reckless abandon. But now that the travel news is good, and the price of oil has dropped some, I have noticed that my motivation for slowing down is less vigorous. When I calculate my mpg at each fill-up, I am proud to see that I average 24 mpg vs my previous 16-17 mpg(see why my mileage is comparetively low). But that thrill is short lived and it can be grueling to drive at 60 mph when garbage trucks and school buses are passing you. If it weren't for my intentional association of saving at the pump with the thrill of saving money, I might loose all joy with my thrifty pedal deals and revert to guzzling gas. I recognize that most folks have never seen the benefit of easing off the accelerator, and could not be motivated to change their driving habits by a nagging wife, much less a cheap 25 ¢/per gallon savings. Here is were the facts in your face strategy comes in handy. Those who drive a vehicle with a digital display of current fuel per mile consumption already know; that if you see it - you believe it. I have heard that aiming for- say, 20 mpg vs. 9 mpg, is motivating. Like I have said, my 2004 Honda Odyssey lacks this feature, so I use the old pen and paper method(click here to learn more) myself. But for anyone seeking immediate gratification for choosing a greener,wiser way to drive; consider the ScanGauge II 3-in-1 Compact Multifunction Vehicle Computer with Customizable Display available at Amazon.com. click here to learn more about this and other products: Happy Speeder store at Amazon: For more tips, opinions and reasons to be happy about slowing down a little to save a lot: Visit Happy Speeder. all rights reserved
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Why I bought a 2004 Honda Odyssey

For more tips on saving money while driving, visit Happy Speeder

Waiting in the bay at a service station is not my idea of a good time. Grant it, these guys can change your oil quicker than you can clean out your glove box, but I can think of 10 places I'd rather be. Growing up, my handy Dad would change the oil in my car, often on a Saturday morning while I slept(Thanks Dad!), so I never developed the patience for car maintenance; nor the appreciation of it's importance.

I drove a Chevy Venture Van for 5 years, and got the oil changed as infrequently as possible. The Valvoline guys were dubious but courteous when I claimed "I must have had my oil changed- sometime this year!" since the window cling on my windshield had not been updated. I persisted, "Surely, sometime in the last 12 months, I had an oil change. How much harm could it cause anyway, No way did I go 12,000 miles without an oil change!"... or did I? ( Selective memory is a very handy thing).

A few years later, heading out of town for Father's Day-visiting, my van stalled on HWY 285. Luckily, there was little traffic, and I was able to steer to the right and get off the road. Luckily, I had a cell phone because I was not near a commercial area with helpful corner stores. Luckily, I did not have to hike up to the next off-ramp while pushing my toddler in a stroller and my 9 year old by my side, desperately seeking a pay phone, in July, in Atlanta.

I started researching new vehicles on the Internet as soon as the mechanic called and said the motor was frozen or something. (Apparently, if there isn't good oil flow, gunk builds up and something quits working, leaving the other somethings to over work, which isn't good when you are asking the engine to drive 75 mph in the July Heat). Of all the cars I test drove, the Honda was the only minivan that could accelerate as fast as I thought necessary, it had some punch. (I do love to punch it! - for more on the love of speed, read Speed.) Five years later, this van runs like new and has it's maintenance records in order. I have become more diligent since the price of gas has gone up. Saving money on gas by keeping my engine well-lubed is worth the time to sit in the service bay. I am grateful for the price increase. Would I have ever been truly happy tending to mundane tasks, if I did not have the perspective of the alternative, plus the benefit of cost-savings at the pump? Luckily, my dad didn't raise no dummy... one blown engine is enough for me!

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New cars crash more than older cars

I did not make this up! Check out the whole list of surprising facts taken from the new book: Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It Says About Us) by Tom Vanderbilt

Here he summarizes "Some things about driving that may surprise you."

I have to add one factoid of my own: Drivers who accelerate slow from a green light are going to get to the next red light just after those who floor it! For more on this, see my blog Is that car driving slow on purpose?

Do people in new cars feel invincible in their new "ride"? Do people who drive older cars tend to put less emphasis on achievement - and are therefore not as competitive? Do older cars offer some inherent protective mechanism due to their heavier construction? Slowing down saves a lot of money, gas, and pollution, but it doesn't save any time. However, as it states in the above link "some things..."; aggressive driving doesn't save time either. Don't get mad -be a Happy Speeder; invest in your decision to drive smarter and save fuel.

For more tricks to save gas while driving as fast as you can, visit my website: Happy Speeder

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Barack Obama proposes smart driving to save up to 3 mil barrels of oil a day.

Requiring action from the American people as part of his proposed strategy to decrease our nation's dependence on foreign oil, Barack Obama includes choices like slowing down and keeping your tires properly inflated. "Efficiency experts say that keeping tires inflated can improve gas mileage 3%, and regular maintenance can add another 4%. Many drivers already follow their advice, but if everyone did, we could immediately reduce demand several percentage points. In other words: Obama is right" from The Tire-Gauge Solution: No Joke Monday, Aug. 04, 2008 By Michael Grunwald at TIME.com If you have checked out the links at happyspeeder.com, you know that there are a ton of resources to prove that you save fuel by driving smarter. This is no scam or urban myth. Scientific research proves it and experts from all sides agree. In fact, the Bush administration has already funded EPA/DOE research that resulted in the release of fuel saving strategies-click here for those details: Tips for improving your fuel economy I am happy to know that these facts are universally accepted. There is no debate. These are real strategies that could save you up to $700 a year - not to mention - it can be fun. The idea that each individual can have an impact is empowering, and I hope to spur others to change. In a small way, I feel like I am getting back at the terrorist for 9-11, and that is very motivating. For more on saving money by driving smart, see:

Be proud of your nation: slow down for conservation!

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Can I be a happy speeder with ethanol in my gas?

Hating to drop 60$ for a fill-up, I routinely seek out the cheapest gas price in town. Only recently did I notice the little sticker on the pump that says "this fuel contains 10% ethanol". Great! I thought, whatever saves me money!...I am all about saving money... but I am also concerned about the company that produces the corn for the ethanol. That company is Monsanto, and they push genetically modified corn that has been engineered to be immune to Roundup, which is also owned by Monsanto. The stock price of Monsanto is soaring with new regulations mandating ethanol. Their continued success is dependent on federal mandates and incentives that promote mandatory ethanol /gasoline formulations. Not all legislators are on board,though, "The ethanol industry, ... is facing a critical decision on its future, says the New York Times, as Gov. Rick Perry of Texas is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily waive regulations requiring the oil industry to blend ever-increasing amounts of ethanol into gasoline. A decision is expected in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, food prices have soared in the last two years as fuel has begun competing with food for cropland and the Biotechnology Industry Organisation is lobbying harder than ever to keep the ethanol boom going." See the full article at New York Times for a good reason to avoid Ethanol blended gas: In fact, Reuters reports that a multi-million dollar lobby group, the Alliance for Abundant Food and Energy, has been launched in Washington D.C. by Archer Daniels Midland Co, DuPont Co, Deere & Co, Monsanto Co and the Renewable Fuels Association to lobby for biofuels. The lobbyist have already proven effective, in that despite the fact that ethanol contains one-third less energy than gasoline, and reduces mileage by about 2 percent, federal measures have been passed that require 36 billion gallons of biofuels a year be mixed into the nation’s gasoline supply by 2022. While the Alliance argues that agricultural innovation (aka genetically modified crops), is the best way to address global hunger and the energy crisis, the world food prices continue to rise; causing food riots, hoarding and bread lines. How can you use the same field of crop to feed the hungry and fill gas tanks? Is it just me- or are there conflicts here? the biggest of which is that Monsanto et al. cares about world hunger so much that their push for biofuels has been blamed for the 40% increase in food prices last year. One thing is for sure, they are spending tons of money to lobby congress for continued biofuel subsidies. for more see Consumer Reports. For more on the Monsanto; read here:

• Eleven years ago, Monsanto predicted an end to world hunger

• A new milk labeling rule in Ohio bans statements about production methods, such as "no artificial hormones."
• A 1937 Harvard study was the first to find that prolonged exposure to pcb's could cause liver damage and a rash called chloracne, Monsanto persisted.

• Monsanto predicts global sale of seeds could triple

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A traffic ticket costs more than hypermiling saves on gas.

My blinker is on, but my brakes aren't; at least not until the last possible second, and then only enough so that I can make the 90 degree turn with all 4 wheels on the ground. This hypermiling trick is one of my favorites because it is fun, almost like speeding. Within 300 feet of the entrance to my neighborhood, there is a stop sign, so my goal is to maintain the 25 mph speed limit without accelerating. So far, I have been too chicken to take the turn any faster than 20 mph, so I do have to press the gas a little to reach 25. The object is to reserve energy so that you don't have to accelerate as much once you make your turn. Technically, no law is broken; but some may consider it reckless, especially your passenger. I know I did when, oblivious to the price of gas, my newly driving teenager tried a similar trick, leaving me white knuckling the "Oh ---" handle with a glass of ice tea in my lap. But, as long as no one is following too close behind me, I take the turn with one hand on my tea glass, and coast as far as I can before applying the gas. Approaching the stop sign, I carefully survey the area for other vehicles, and finding none, brake just enough to confirm that there is no marked vehicle lurking over the hill, and resume coasting. This is one of the most controversial hypermiling tricks, and understandably so. Besides setting a bad example for observant minors, running a stop sign can be dangerous, and law enforcement officials don't take kindly to those who would disrespect the sign. So hypermilers beware. The traffic cops don't usually park in full view, and you may not always have your best game on, so my advice is: choose your timing - is it worth the risk when you have your son's tennis team in the van? know your environment- hiding police are harder to spot in the dark know your own skills and limitations-don't forget to block your tea glass in case of abrubt braking; and above all... be happy about your freedom to save a little bit of gas; one drop of oil saved is one less drop needed!

Slow down a little and save a lot!

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A "civil"car is a cheap investment in fuel economy.

don't be a hater...

Slurping my coffee, I hear the honk from behind demanding that I accelerate faster. God forbid there is a car length between my front bumper and the car ahead. I am sorry that my car is not advancing as fast as you think that it should. I lift my foot off of the brake and my car rolls forward, without acceleration, to advance the 5 feet of open road that have just become available. Go ahead! whip your car out in front of that other moving vehicle, floor your gas pedal and quickly jerk the steering wheel back into the lane in front of my car.

This phenomenon was new to me before I changed jobs about a year ago and began driving at peak traffic time on a highway that merges (or bleeds) into Georgia interstate 285. Before then, I had encountered such traffic occasionally, without warning, and let's face it; when reality does not meet expectation, tolerance can be scarce.

But on 285? At 8:00 a.m. -what did you expect? Unless you have a flying Jetson-mobile, you are not going to move faster than the lines of traffic that appear endlessly before you. Even if you tailgate the car in front of you and refuse to allow anyone who had the misfortune of not changing lanes as soon as you did to merge; you will not get to work faster. No, you gain nothing.... except control.

But at what cost?

Besides the damage to your cardiovascular system from stress and hate; you expend unnecessary gasoline with each push of the pedal. Assuming you drive aggressively throughout your commute, you may be spending as much as 30% more on your fuel than you have to.(see "Slowing down a little saves a lot")

Gaining 60 inches of road before your fellow commuter is like pushing the "close" button instead of holding the elevator for the person 2 seconds away. And how do you feel when that grateful person smiles and thanks you? Personally,I feel happy, just as I do when I allow cars to merge in front of me, knowing that I am relieving some of their stress as well as my own. Who knows? I may be preventing an accident ahead of me from that same desperate driver's failed attempt to wedge himself in front of an unwilling "merge snob".

All I am saying is face the reality. Embrace rush hour, anticipate it, benefit from it, don't worry, and be a HAPPY SPEEDER.

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Travel news for the summer is unexpectedly good

GOOD NEWS! Oil falls $5 for the week Why?

"An Energy Department report released Wednesday showed that gasoline demand in the United States last week had fallen 2.4% from the same period last year. And a weekly survey of filling station credit card swipes from MasterCard recorded declining demand for the 13th week in a row." reported by: Kenneth Musante at cnnmoney.com on July 25, 2008

Better News!

Oil Prices Fall As Storm Misses Rigs by Mark Huffman at Consumeraffairs.com on July 22, 2008

This article references a few factors that have helped pop the rising oil bubble, including; U.S. Senate's probe into the consequences of oil speculation, a good weather forecast, and a reversal of the falling value of the dollar. The dollar has continued a slight strengthening against the euro this week, reducing oil's appeal to investors. Here Mark explains: "Analysts say traders sold futures contracts after weather forecasters reported that the tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico will bypass the oil rigs. It was the damage to rigs caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that began oil's rapid ascent."

I am pumped about this -no pun intended. As you know, I like to save money,and cheaper oil represents my kind of investment. How much has the decreased American demand for gas affected the price of a barrel of oil? Though not one of the reasons given, I am curious to know if the dip in price of oil has been affected by cheap drivers like me, pinching the pedal to save money. Afterall, the way I choose to improve my car's fuel economy starts in my wallet, and my wallet gets fatter the more gas I save, and a fatter wallet makes my opinion a more noticeable investment in the broader goal to decrease American dependence on foreign oil. I am already enjoying the benefit of an extra 30$ a week by using a "green pedal" approach to driving. So published evidence or not, the proof is in my purse and I lift it high to proudly proclaim: "Power to the green pedal pinchers!"

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Car magnets, bumper stickers, decals inform others

Driving to work in Atlanta is like people-watching at the mall. The variety is astounding. I never get tired of admiring the uniqueness of individuals. Some people express their personality with the car they drive; others, by the way they decorate their car. Any given commute is going to have a sample set that is somewhat limited in variety: Mine includes folks who work near the center of the city on weekdays, and who don't have to arrive before 8:00 in the morning. Traveling from the suburbs, it is a reasonable assumption that most of my commute companions live outside the urban hub, and that they are not independently wealthy. Beyond these generalizations, I have also noted the following from the stickers, decals and magnets my fellow traffic troopers place on their backside:

• Republicans out-number democrats 3 to 2, based on "W" decals.
• These folks have kids who make good grades, play sports and go to college.
• Most people attended a college or university and are proud of that fact.
• Many people are proud to be American and support our troops.

Why would these educated, family-oriented, patriotic people be among the "most likely to display Road-Rage"? In a recent article from the Washington Post, some research is described that is un-flattering to my fellow commuters.By SHANKAR VEDANTAM Washington Post Published on: 06/17/08 The article quotes a social psychologist from Colorado State University, whose research suggests that drivers of cars with bumper stickers, magnets, window decals, and personalized license plates are more likely to express frustration when someone cuts in front of them or is slow to respond to a changed traffic light. In a paper published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, William Szlemko notes that the more bumper stickers etc. on a car, the more likely that driver is to honk, tailgate and demonstrate aggressive "communication" when they disagree with an other's driving techniques. Szlemko further noted that it does not matter whether the messages on the stickers are about peace and love — "Visualize World Peace" — or angry and in your face — "My Kid Beat Up Your Honor Student." In my opinion, these conclusions are preliminary at best, and should be further validated with larger sample sets, including drivers from different regions of the country, different times of the day, and by more than one research source. My skepticism of Mr. Szlemko's published results is based on my personal research of the driving habits of a reformed aggressive driver. While driving slower to save fuel, I am more likely to provoke road-rage than demonstrate it. In order to reduce the impact that my driving style may have on other's, my car magnet is designed to warn and inform. A little information often helps to calm the quick-tempered, and I believe that saving money on gas also relieves stress. My message is non-confrontational, non-political and non-judgemental. Sort of like-"Smile! and the world smiles with you." If you share my faith in the citizen commuter, spread the message! As a HAPPY SPEEDER proclaim:

Slowing down a little...Saves a Lot!

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Independence from 55 mph for happy speeders.

You might as well get used to it, 55 mph is going to be the limit. From CNN.com comes this headline:

National Speed limit pushed as Gas Saver.

"Sen. John Warner, A REPUBLICAN! asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to look into what speed limit would provide optimum gasoline efficiency given current technology. He said he wants to know if the administration might support efforts in Congress to require a lower speed limit. In 1974, congress set a national 55 mph speed limit because of energy shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo. The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when crude oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline cost $1.10 a gallon." cnn.com

I don't like it!...where in the constitution does it specify that we are free to pursue our happiness and liberty as long as oil is plentiful?! I am an advocate of driving slower to save fuel, but I also believe in freedom. Just the other day, I excercised my freedom to utilize the speed limit of 75 mph to make up for hitting the snooze button. (see: demand for gas increases in summer ) By mandating that no American is allowed to exceed 55 mph, congress would be implying that we the people, are not smart enough to make wise choices regarding our national resources. I resent the implication, and I don't think that our founding fathers would approve, either.

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Fuel efficient cars for happy speeders.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, folks are willing to pay more for greater fuel efficiency. Almost 50% of consumers report that they are looking for at least 30 mpg from their next car. 99% of today's cars get less than 30 mpg. "Hybrids aren't cheap, yet they're flying out showroom doors, and there's a three- to six- month wait for some of them..." says Mark Cooper, the director of research for CFA. In-lieu of hybrids, drivers are trading for compact cars with better mileage. Used car lots are overflowing with gas-guzzling SUV's and trucks that they can't sell, prompting dealers to refuse big vehicles on trade. If Americans are chomping at the bit to spend big bucks on their cars in order to save at the pump, will automakers respond? Why haven't those tiny cars that are all over Europe been marketed in the states? Americans favor bigger, heavier, and flashier cars - or is that just what advertisers have told us we prefer? Anyway, I would think that the manufacturers would be scrambling to cater to American preferences with SUV hybrids, or slightly bigger "smart-cars". I am looking forward to next year's models, and I'm hoping to see a great big, heavy, flashy, hummer-like truck that gets 45 mpg. Of course, that is a fantasy - I am too cheap to buy a new car before I get at least 200,000 miles out of the one I have. But, I would feel really safe if I could look down and smile at the perturbed speeder whipping around me as I cruised along at 60...saving gas.

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If the law required day-time running lights, would that waste fuel?

Even is there are no injuries, a happyspeeder knows that a motor vehicle accident will "wreck" your day, not to mention your insurance premiums. Thankfully, there are a number of standard features that make most new cars safer than 20 years ago. Day-time running lights are one example and insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with this feature.... But what about your fuel efficiency? Do daytime running lights waste your gas? Physics Stuff blogger demonstrates the calculations to determine the answer to this ongoing debate (just kidding, I've never thought about it) on his blog site. Based on his calculations, there is no debate. The fact is, reducing your speed by 1 mph will save more fuel than turning off your daytime running lights. Another source for the math behind this science can be found at: "How stuff works" . Bottom line: Leave your day-time running lights on! They may prevent an accident. If you are really concerned about wasting the fuel: Slowing down a little... Saves a lot! tm

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