Dislike high gas prices? Try slowing down

While none of us are happy with the increased cost of gasoline, I cannot help but wonder why, If we are so concerned about its cost, do so many people continue to waste it?

Experts tell us that speeds between 45 and 60 miles per hour result in burning the least amount of gasoline. While cars do vary from such factors as wind resistance, tire inflation, etc., most fall within this range. But if you try setting your cruise control at 50 or 55 mph on the Beltway, you will find so many cars zooming by you so fast that you feel like you are sitting still.

I've tried this several times, and it sure makes me wonder, if people are truly concerned about the high cost of gasoline, why do they continue to drive at speeds that burn it up so fast? I'm not advocating driving at 45 mph, which would probably provoke incidents of "road rage" or at least honking horns, but if we really want to save on our gasoline expense, I think we should ask ourselves which is most important — the few minutes we save by zooming down the highway or the money we are saving to help buy the next tank of gasoline?

Charles Hoover, Monkton