Save fuel now, crash later

Drivers in the US, shocked at fuel costs that have risen to nearly half the price of those in Europe, have taken to using 'hypermiling' techniques to economise. Such techniques involve accelerating gently, minimising use of braking, switching off engines and coasting down gradients. Other more controversial techniques involve inflating tyres to excessive pressures to reduce rolling resistance as well as 'slipstreaming' on highways by driving close to the vehicle in front to reduce air resistance. While wish
July 17, 2012 Read time: 1 min
Drivers in the US, shocked at fuel costs that have risen to nearly half the price of those in Europe, have taken to using 'hypermiling' techniques to economise. Such techniques involve accelerating gently, minimising use of braking, switching off engines and coasting down gradients. Other more controversial techniques involve inflating tyres to excessive pressures to reduce rolling resistance as well as 'slipstreaming' on highways by driving close to the vehicle in front to reduce air resistance. While wishing to save fuel is laudable, US drivers would do well to choose more economical vehicles instead. The cost of crashes caused by over-inflating tyres and driving too close to the vehicle in front will far outweigh the value of the fuel saved.

Related Content

  • The US needs to address its road safety problems
    November 8, 2019
    The US has serious road safety issues that need to be addressed. In 2018, close to 36,600 people were killed in road crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The fatality rate for 2018 represents a 2.4% drop from 2017. In addition, the road death rate/160 million vehicle km traveled also decreased by 3.4%, from 1.17 in 2017 to 1.13 in 2018. And the NHTSA says it is the lowest fatality rate since 2014. Nearly 36,600 people died on US roadways last year, a
    Read More
  • Innovation for slipforming
    September 3, 2024
    Power Curbers is expanding its range if slipformer options
    Read More
  • Simple road safety measures save lives
    February 15, 2012
    Elementary road safety measures quickly pay back the costs of investment and, more importantly, help save lives as Patrick Smith reports. More than 300 people in the UK are alive today or have avoided the prospect of a lifetime of special care because just 15 roads have had simple improvements put in place.
    Read More
  • Dubai road risk from younger male drivers
    October 18, 2016
    Research from Dubai reveals that male drivers account for 90% of crashes. Meanwhile males represent 70% of the country’s population, although figures on what percentage of the country’s drivers are female are not available. As in most other countries, young male drivers pose a particularly high risk on Dubai’s roads, with those aged 21-29 being involved in 37% of vehicle crashes. Males aged 30-39 accounted for 34% of crashes. Older male drivers fared better in the safety stakes, with those aged 40-49 accoun
    Read More

Highlighted Content