|
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - As the price of gasoline goes up, some drivers are slowing down.
Drivers have known for years that throttling back is a sure way to improve gas mileage. But with the price of a gallon of gas approaching $4, some motorists are easing up on the accelerator to save a few bucks.
Mike and Joann Papin say they slowed down during their 1,500-mile trip from their winter home in Florida to a summer residence in Vermont. During a rest stop in Albany, the couple said they keep the speedometer just below 65 miles an hour during highway driving.
Researchers say today's cars are most fuel efficient at speeds between around 30 and 60 miles per hour. Mileage drops sharply at speeds above 65 as engines work harder.
Some truckers are slowing down anyway as the average price of diesel heads toward $4.50 a gallon.
More Information:
 U.S. DOE and EPA fuel economy site
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
|
Print Story
Email to a Friend
