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
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!

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!

Please drive responsibly and be a happy speeder. all rights reserved
Read more!

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.

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 a little saves a lot

In "How to save 0.54¢ a gallon on gas" Lynn Truong of Wise Bread blogsite reiterates the simple truth. Slowing down a little saves a lot. She also lists some other steps that you can take to save money on your gas:

1. Empty your car of excess weight - take out those extra van seats if you can, and take the luggage rack off of the roof.

2. Check your tires frequently. Properly inflated tires not only help your fuel last longer, but the tires will last longer, too. I purchased my last set from Costco, and they filled them with nitrogen. Apparently, this gas leaks less, because I have not needed a refill in almost a year. Also, Costco checks my air pressure for free when I pull up to the service bay.

3. Get a tune-up! In smog-infested cities like Atlanta, your air filter should be changed at least once a year, and changing your oil every 4-6,000 miles is just smart and easy.

4. Choose a smarter engine oil - According to the National Resources Defense Council, selecting the proper grade of motor oil and using motor oils with additives that reduce friction may increase a vehicle's fuel economy by 1 percent to 2 percent.29 Widespread use of efficient motor oils could reduce fleet-wide gasoline consumption by 1 percent in 2013, saving 100,000 barrels per day.30

Read more!

Is that car driving slow on purpose?

How do you know if the slow car in front of you is coasting or choking? During my commute today, as I conscientiously managed an appropriate distance between myself and others, I was startled by a very slow moving vehicle ahead of me. What is this guy doing?! (my immediate thought is always a "guy?!" while my husband usually says "lady!?"...). Is he stalled or wrecked? As I passed him, I realized that he was coasting!

OK, if my initial assumption is that there is surely something wrong with that slow-moving vehicle - I can only imagine what the Non- happy-speeder thinks when he happens to find himself behind me. This experience reminded me why I started this blog. If that coasting car had a sign that alerted me to his happy speeding state, my reaction would have been to coast along behind him. Instead, I wasted gas by changing lanes to go a little faster,to brake harder, and to end up one car ahead of him at the next jam. When will I ever learn...

all rights reserved
Read more!

Ten Classic Driving Songs

Have you ever noticed how many songs there are about the pure joy of happy speeding? I suppose some people might read other meanings into some of the song lyrics, and that is their choice. I am just pumped to find that the love of speeding is so pervasive - besides sex and rebellion; fast cars and fast driving are tops on the list of Rock-n-Roll song subjects.
Read more! And here is the rest of it.

If you didn't have time to look up the answers to the lyrics quiz, here are the answers:

1. "Drive My Car" Beatles

2. "Mercedes Benz" Janis Joplin

3. "Drivin' my Life Away" Eddie Rabbitt

4. "Can't Drive 55" Sammy Hagar

5. "Mustang Sally" Wilson Pickett

6. "The Speed of Love" Rush (I guess this one was kind of hard)

7. "Fast Car" Tracy Chapman

8. " Red Corvette" Prince

9. "Pink Cadillac" Bruce Springsteen

10. "Maybellene" Chuck Berry

The original lyric excerpts are located on my website: Happy Speeder.

Read more!

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

all rights reserved
Read more!

How to Calculate Your Car's Fuel Efficiency (MPG) - wikiHow

How is your car's gas efficiency? Your car's manual will give you a range, but it really depends on how you drive, how well you maintain the engine, and the state of your tires. To calculate your average fuel efficiency, print this

<-form *and keep track of your mileage, time and conditions * Or, visit Happy Speeder for more tips and tools on keeping track of your actual gas mileage, it is an easy investment that can pay off with real savings!

Unless your car is equipped with a mpg meter, you will have to fill your tank and track your driving until the tank is empty again to be able to calculate your numbers. If you want to go high-tech and see how much fuel you consume in real time; invest in an electronic gauge that you can hook up in your car. This would make a great gift for anyone who like gizmos. Visit Happy Speeder shop at Amazon where this tool and more are sold.

Happy Speeder gas saving tip: Freeze grapes in a ziplock or tupperware. Place them in your lap, eat as you drive, and be cool. Run the auto a.c. as little as possible, save money, save gas!

Read more!

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
Read more!

Speed. Faster than fast, quicker than quick.

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN "He Likes Speed!" Quote from Disney's Lightning McQueen: "I create feelings in others that they themselves don't understand". Of course we don't understand. As kids, we are automatically drawn to things that move fast and make loud noises. I remember thinking how smart my baby was that he could crawl while pushing a toy car and make the "brrmm" noise. Where did he learn that? Obviously, I decided, he was gifted. I don't think I ever played with toy cars as a toddler, but I do remember loving "Herbie" (good-old Disney again) and later "Dukes of Hazard". When I was about 8, Santa surprised me with an electric race track (see Dad- it is all your fault), and the sole purpose of this toy was to push the button as hard as you could to make the cars go as fast as possible. If they wrecked? even better! Set them up and see if you can make a bigger wreck! Is it just me, or is there something a little twisted here? It never crossed my mind that I might be contributing to a love of speed when I bought my boys every matchbox car and race trac system available. I bought "Power Ranger" toys, too, but I don't worry about getting a call in the middle of the night because my kid has been hurt battling "Megazord". I am sure that most "kids-play" is a reflection of normal human inclinations; half imitation- half imagination, but, the plethora of movies, cartoons, toys, rides and sports that are dedicated to the joy of speed gives me pause...and.... an excuse, for my own love of speed!

Image borrowed from flikr.com

Read more!

Why does the demand for gas increase in the summer?

June 3, 2008: Watch this video clip on CNN's website: In it, CNN's Miles O'Brien gets a hypermiling lesson from a guru of fuel conservation, who gets 50 to 150 mpg in his Honda Accord. This guru, Wayne Gerdes, is also cited on the Happy Speeder website from his interview with Reader's Digest in May, 2008. That article is where he describes his radical energy saving tactics, like using an "Ice Vest" to avoid running the auto air-conditioner.

I am shopping around for an "Ice Vest", if anyone has suggestions. Anything to cool off while sitting in traffic sounds good to me. Especially during the summer, when here in Atlanta, the blacktop interstate is often 100 degrees before noon. The good thing about commuting during the summer, is that the rush-hour traffic is usually not as heavy as during the school year. Less traffic = shorter commute time = less fuel use, right? Maybe; but if you are like me, you don't see much savings. Possibly because of the unbearable heat and the necessity of running the a.c.. I have been trying to turn off my car's a.c. more often now, but it is taking some getting used to. Until the gas prices became painful, my natural reflex, if the air was too cold, would be to adjust the interior temperature up a few degrees. After all, isn't that why my car has an interior thermostat? Another reason could be that I often drive faster than I would during heavy traffic. This is not because I can't drive slow without traffic to impede me, but if I hit the snooze button 1(or 2) times more, thinking to myself, "well, traffic will be light...", then I end up running late. Oh, it is easy to blame... I could blame the weather, the automobile manufactures, the public school system, and more... If only blaming would save money at the gas pump. It doesn't, though, and if I want to reduce the pain in my pocket, I am going to have to make a choice. The choice between my car's a.c. and my snooze button is not going to be a hard one. I am free to get up and Drive a little slower to SAVE A LOT!!

Read more!