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

  • Roo'd Awakening and BMW Drivers
    June 29, 2018
    A rider amongst a group of cyclists on a training run in Australia had a rather unpleasant experience. The man was cycling along a road with his team mates when a young kangaroo jumped out from the road side and collided with him, knocking him from his bicycle. Although he was riding at speed at the time, he was not seriously hurt and as one of his team mates filmed the incident, will have video footage to better remember the incident by. The feelings of the kangaroo over the incident were not recorded.
    Read More
  • ERF sets out sign inspection guidelines
    December 27, 2024
    The European Union Road Federation suggests that its checklist - downloadable for free - is included in any existing tools for road safety inspection and audits that road agencies may have.
    Read More
  • Indeco breaker technology cuts costs by 20%
    April 12, 2016
    Hydraulic breaker specialist Indeco has developed new fuel-saving technology for its entire range of breakers. Compared to other breakers of the same size and capacity, Indeco’s can now deliver fuel savings of around 20%. “If you consider quarrying, by far the biggest cost is the fuel that the excavator consumes. If you can reduce the fuel used, you reduce your overall cost of production significantly,” said Indeco’s marketing director Michele Vitulano. “Reducing fuel consumption is also important for ro
    Read More
  • BOMAG is offering new soil compactors
    January 15, 2016
    BOMAG has a range of new single drum soil compactors as well as compact units for rental markets that are said to offer advanced technology - Mike Woof reports BOMAG is keen to continue being a technology leader. Jonathan Stringham, vice president of marketing at BOMAG explained that the firm is working on introducing new technology to the road construction market. He said that the new products developed by BOMAG are all the result of close partnerships with customers. The company has held workshops in t
    Read More

Highlighted Content