Efficient Mototring: Part 4

Dont Drive Like an A-Hole

• Accelerate Slowly

Where’s the fire muchacho? Rocketing through an intersection as soon as that green light hits is one of the least efficient things you can do as a motorist. RPM ratios apply here too. Getting your vehicle to red-line before it shifts might be fun, but think of all that wasted fuel virtually spraying right out the tailpipe.

• Keep a Safe Following Distance
  

Following the advice they gave you in drivers’ ed. doesn’t just apply to safety. Maintaining a reasonable buffer between you and the car ahead of you can alleviate a lot of unneeded braking and accelerating. If you feel you’re in a potentially dangerous or awkward motoring situation do your best to get out of it or let everyone else get out of the way.

• Remain Aware of the Things Around You
  

Keep a mental note of what is around you. Where the road is going, where traffic is coming from, where it is likely to go, and what vehicles are surrounding you. Try to memorize the color and types of vehicles traveling with you. It will be much easier to make that split second decision to change lanes and avoid slamming on the brakes for the car that needs to make an emergency turn.

• Stay Calm and Courteous
  

Remaining in a level-headed state of mind will make all these tips a lot easier to follow. A clean car means a more serene driving environment. A well running motor equals less stress. And a fatter wallet is a nice piece of solace in an ever-expensive world. Staying calm allows you to make better decisions and to do it quickly. Allowing other motorists a courtesy now and then, makes you feel that much more generous, and at peace on the road. It can be difficult to curb your anger when someone else makes a bone-headed move, so I like to poke harmless fun at them as much as possible. Comment on the color of the car they’re driving: “That’s a nice purple truck, grandpa.” Create an acronym from their license plate: “[BMW 1431]. Broke Man-Whore’s last trick paid $14.31. Had to make 69 cents change” (That’s my actual license plate by the way. And I don’t drive a BMW) Stay comfortable, play soothing music, do what you have to do to stay sane in the slow lane.

All this boils down to one piece of advice: Keep Moving. Saving that positive momentum saves you gas.