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.

all rights reserved

Read more!

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.

all rights reserved
Read more!

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!

all rights reserved
Read more!

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

Read more!

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!

all rights reserved
Read more!

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

all rights reserved

Read more!

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!"

all rights reserved

Read more!

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!

all rights reserved

Read more!

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.

Happy Speeder. all rights reserved

Read more!

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

Read more!

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

all rights reserved

Read more!

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

Read more!

HappySpeeder

http://happyspeeder.com TIP: SET YOUR CRUISE ON 60MPH. SEE WEBSITE ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION! CHECK IT OUT ! Acceleration burns fuel,Acceleration wastes gas, Speeding decreases gas efficiency, but it sure is fun.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbGuKKYtqtI>

Who does not love the feeling of peeling off at the red light? Having a car with quick acceleration is like driving around in your own amusement park ride. Adrenaline RUSH!

Today, "green car" means more than that old gremlin or station wagon. People and technology are reacting to the reports that the pollution from our cars is contributing to changes in the climate. Driving with the environment or your pocketbook in mind means backing off on acceleration. Keep your foot off the pedal more and save a lot of money. Burning gas is wasting money - among other things.

ChoosingToCruise recommends making small changes now, before our government decides to take that option away from us. British parliment is already proposing a "carbon limit" on it's citizens. America is the land of the free! Let's use our freedom wisely and ChooseToCruise. Speed when you want to! Slow down and save a little when you want to!

GO AHEAD AND PASS! I'M SAVING GAS.

all rights reserved

Read more!

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!!!

Read more!