"heavy foot equals lighter tank", will we become a kinder and gentler society?

Question

at least when we drive?

Answer 1

I think there's an overall lack of understanding of the relationship between speed and fuel economy.  Ask 100 people how much more gas they use driving 75 MPH vs 55, and you'll probably just get blank looks.  The fact is, that due to aerodynamic drag, your fuel economy is inversely proportional to the SQUARE of your speed - think about that for a second.  Therefore, it takes nearly twice as much energy (and therefore fuel) to maintain a speed of 75 MPH as it does to go 55.

I think if people were educated in this matter, more would slow their speeds.

Answer 2

No, it seems not.  This lady decided she didn't want to let me change into "her" lane and SPED UP when I tried.  *****.

Answer 3

I haven't really noticed much of a difference in the way people drive, including myself.  I would agree that people are just used to paying $4/gallon for gas.

Answer 4

I don't think so.  People are already pretty used to $4/gallon gas.  Big cars aren't selling as well, but 80mph still seems to be the norm on the interstate.

People are 'brave' when they're inside their car.  Sort of anonymous bravado.

Answer 5

Not as long as jerks like the guy who almost ran into me today are still around.  Sure, people are driving more slowly to save gas, but what can you do about someone who has a cigarette in one hand and a cell in the other, turning at a busy intersection?