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

  • Advanced automatic braking could reduce accidents
    August 8, 2012
    Sophisticated new automatic braking technology could boost road safety and reduce accident levels. Car manufacturers are poised to make the introduction of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technology across a wide array of new models due for launch. Some AEB systems have been fitted to a number of, mostly high-end, models from firms including Audi, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo and VW.
    Read More
  • CONTROLS has developed a new business strategy
    April 4, 2013
    With the European economy in crisis and continuing shifts in the world order, manufacturers must re-think their business strategies if they are to succeed. Seasoned survivor Pasquale di Iorio, CEO of construction testing equipment specialist CONTROLS Group shares his plans for the future - Kristina Smith met him in Italy Pasquale Di Iorio has been at the helm of construction testing equipment manufacturer CONTROLS Group since 1996. First impressions suggest that Di Iorio is a strong leader: confidently dete
    Read More
  • 2010 GRAA Winner Profiles
    April 12, 2012
    Our series of profiles on winning projects from the 2010 Global Road Achievement (GRAA) Awards continues with the Construction Methodology Category won by Barrier Systems/Utah Department of Transportation With any major road construction project, the disruption of traffic flow is of paramount concern for engineers, workers and travellers, particularly as it relates to increased traffic delays and the safety of those driving through the work zone. In the state of Utah, USA, work was recently completed on
    Read More
  • Norway moves ahead with alternative fuel use
    November 9, 2023
    Energy consumption on its road construction sites will increasingly consist of electricity or hydrogen up to 2027.
    Read More

Highlighted Content