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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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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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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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.

SLOWING DOWN A LITTLE...SAVES A LOT!TM all rights reserved

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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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Choose to use less fuel before the Law changes and you have No Choice!

March 26, 2008 -"The American Trucking Associations is calling for a nationwide, 65-mph speed limit.... A highway slowdown has begun in response to high energy prices—and the big trucking companies are leading the way. Con-Way Freight, one of the nation's largest trucking firms with 8,500 rigs, has announced it is turning back the electronic speed limiters in its entire fleet from 65 miles per hour to 62 mph." More info available in original article at U.S. News & World Report. Easing up on my lead foot, and setting the cruise control to 60 mph, are easy changes for me to make. Choosing to save fuel is my right, and I am proud to do it, because I believe that using less fuel is smart for the future of America. Luckily, I live in a democracy, so I don't have to worry about my government forcing me to change how I commute - right? The truth is, many laws are passed based on the votes of our elected officials, whose opinions may be influenced by powerful lobby groups. If an informed America votes to require everyone to drive slower, then so be it. I hope folks take advantage of the opportunities that their anscestors fought and died for; investigate the truth, stay involved and VOTE! In the immortal words of Lee Greenwood: "I'm Proud to be an American, were at least I know I'm free...." by Happy Speeder

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Former speedaholic enjoys slowing down to save gas

As a “recovered speedaholic”, I feel that I can speak with some authority on the subject of speed. At one time in my life I thought that “smart-drivers” could handle the curves at high speeds, and that driving slow was a public nuisance. To be honest, I thought that speed limits and stop signs were for idiots. No offense, but I was a frontal-lobe impaired teen without a clue, so please forgive my arrogance. When I look back, I realize what a miracle it was that I did not kill myself, or someone else. I would frequently cite my “clean” driving record as evidence that I was a good driver, never taking into account that I had only been driving a short while, or had just been lucky. God only knows, I might still be whizzing down the highway today, were it not for the cost of speeding. Like most addicts, I would have to encounter uncomfortable situations and significant consequences before I would recognize the error of my ways. My “intervention” began on a steamy Alabama highway, following a typical, late-afternoon rainstorm. While whipping along at a speed of at least 75 mph, I was trying to pull my hair into a scrunchie (the t-tops were out and flying hair can be a safety issue; of course, so can driving without your hands on the wheel, but that isn’t the point). My little two-seater hit a slick spot and began spinning, eventually skidding off the highway and landing in the median. I saw my life flash before my eyes and I was terrified. Of course, it would take three speeding tickets and being dropped from my insurance before I would admit to having a problem. Maybe the price of gas today is forcing speedaholics to examine their driving habits. Maybe there is a decline in aggressive driving because people are watching their gas tanks. Maybe we owe a big Thank You to the oil companies because the cost of gasoline motivates slower driving, and wrecks have been prevented! All I know is that I don’t like spending so much money to fill my tank. I like saving money more than I like going fast. I am a content commuter, a happy speeder, clipping along at 60 mph, saving 30%.

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SLOWING DOWN some can SAVE MONEY

More free tips coming soon at: http://www.happyspeeder.com/

I hate the price of gas - but I have to commute, I have to drive, and I have to buy gas.

Gas Prices escalate daily. It is painful to see the "E" on your dash. The price of gas is forcing Americans to change the way they drive. If I were to identify the number one change that I have made to my driving habits, it would be taking my foot off of the pedal sooner. I have been surprised at how far I can coast without accelerating, especially when I can see that I am about to stop at a traffic light or a traffic jam.

The morning commute is a good example. I know pretty much where the backups are; HWY 78 merging onto HWY 285, Hwy 85 merging with 285, HWY 285 merging with HWY 400N, etc. It is not hard to think ahead when the traffic starts to flow, remember that another back up is coming soon, and let up on the gas pedal a bit. You could floor it, get to your requisite 65 mph or more, and brake hard at the next jam. I usually watch others do this, and I will be a few cars behind them as I coast into the jam-line. They got there before me, so they could wait longer. Try it some morning. Just take a look around at the cars that are flying past you, then look for them again when you reach the next stop. Chances are, they will be a few cars ahead of you, with less gas in their tank.

This link is one of the many references you can find on the net.

http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/17924459.html

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TAKE THE PEDAL OFF THE METAL!

Free tips for saving gas, safely and sanely. http://happyspeeder.com/

I love speed, I love to speed. When I graduated from college, I bought a Toyota MR2 - and promptly got 3 speeding tickets and dropped from my insurance. The cost of speeding was my motivation for slowing down, I did not like it, but I did not want to PAY for speeding. I had read that as long as you don't go over 10 mph over the speed limit, cops won't stop you, so that is what I did. I am obviously not alone. Reference the interstate with a speed limit of 55. Who goes 55? 55 mph feels dysfunctional. If I enter the interstate on an offramp behind someone who accelerates too slow, I am afraid for my life. It is imperative to match the speed of the cars in the slow lane for a safe merge. Maybe it is self-preservation that fueled my desire for rapid acceleration. Maybe it is competitiveness. It definitely feels like a necessity when I am running late. I drive 26 miles each way to work. This drive on the weekend with interstate travel takes less than 45 minutes. During the week, however, I plan on an hour and a half. The night commute, with rain, can be more than 2 hours. The commute is tolerable for me ONLY because I enjoy listening to books on tape and drinking coffee. The morning commute gives me time to wake up, and by the time I reach my destination, I am eager to stretch my legs and get the day started. Most people do not share my joy. Before I discovered books-on-tape, I HATED to commute. I chose work that did not involve commuting because of the hated commute. My choice resulted in a lower, less dependable income, but I felt I was choosing Quality over Quantity. When my financial situation changed, though, I had to bite the bullet and take a job with a commute. I only work 3 or 4 days a week, but the pain at the pump is enough to inspire me to seek change.

SO, once again, the cost of speeding(or just plain driving) is motivating me to change the way I drive. I have to work, I love my job, I have to commute to my job, I have to drive( no mass transportation options), and I am cheap. I am also observant. I noticed that I save money if I dont drive so fast. I save money when I take the pedal off the metal. I save money when I choose to set the cruise control and let other people pass. I arrive at work on time, often only 5 minutes after the people who were shaking their head at me as they passed me on the interstate. They only sat longer at the red light and/or traffic-jam than me. I empathize with them, though. I have been a head shaker, I have shot the "dirty look". But for now, for economy's sake, and because I have the choice; I SAY:

GO AHEAD AND PASS I'M SAVING GAS!!!

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