Type-A personality, EcoDriving and Road Rage
Posted By RichC on April 18, 2009
I’m not a Type-A personality, nor do I frustrate easily, but that said, I do spend a significant amount of time on the road and appreciate being able to liberally use the throttle to get where I need to go … which in a diesel vehicle can still be pretty efficient. Thankfully, I haven’t noticed all that many hypermilers or as the WSJ referred to them, “eco drivers“, slowing down the highways, although I expect that it is a growing trend as more an more of us seek to improve our vehicles efficiency. (WSJ video below)
With the addition of computerized monitoring being added to not just hybrid vehicles, it shouldn’t be a surprise to see a few more drivers attempting to stretch their tanks of fuel … fueling at least a few blood pressure points of those following them. I’m not sure I’m ready for serious ‘green’ drivers clogging the roads and can’t imagine what true Type-A’s think about it?
Some of the “Green Driving 101” tips bound to bug all but the most patient follower are:
- Accelerate slowly from a stop — “even if the cars around you zoom past”
- When turning the corner slow down well before the turn and allow the car’s momentum to carry you around. You done well if you don’t have to use your brakes.
- In city driving watch traffic lights and coast so you don’t have to come to a full stop.
- When on an incline coast as much as possible.
- On the highway don’t cruise above 60mph — that’s one that will drive me crazy.
- Keep the engine RPM’s below 2000 revolutions per minute to minimize work on the engine. (this need adjusted for diesel owners. 😛 )
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