Gas price drop puts weekend travel on cruise control

By ELISHA SAUERS, Staff Writer

Published 06/30/09

Significantly lower gas prices for this Fourth of July apparently aren't doing much to change many Marylanders' weekend party plans.

Officials at AAA Mid-Atlantic said they expect a nationwide trend of less traveling for this holiday weekend, as many families' budgets continue to flounder in the recession.

But, as usual, drivers shouldn't expect smooth sailing on the roads. While, on the whole, fewer Americans are reserving hotel rooms, planning restaurant outings and fueling up their vehicles for the holiday weekend, Marylanders are still trying to get away for a little while to celebrate.

AAA officials...

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Not quite, Scott - 2009-06-30 18:10:26

Yours is a tired claim often invoked by those who complain about gas prices yet whose feeling of entitlement is so great that they cannot be bothered to drive a little slower. These people then cherry pick information about aerodynamics and gearing to justify their driving habits. In the process, they continue to exacerbate high petrol prices, bring us closer to supply emergencies and further complicate our national security. Maybe thats not you, but your comment fits the mold. You seem to be in disagreement with tests run by a multinational auto company (probably by all auto companies, but I only know of this one) across various brands and models. One of that companys senior engineers explained to me that, regardless of the car/SUV, fuel efficiency decreases dramatically as the speed increases above 45-55 mph. I have seen this myself across four different models that I have owned. You can quibble around the fringes, but there is no way that your car is more fuel efficient at 75 than at 60 if driven in the same manner and same road gradient at both speeds. What is the year, make and model of your vehicle so that we can verify/debunk your claim?

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Jeff S. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

RE: Gas Money - 2009-06-30 15:14:51

Actually Sameer, while your second tip is a good one, your first one is outdated (lots of people like to quote that one, but it's a relic from the '70s). Newer cars are much more aerodynamic and fuel efficient. On long interstate drives, my car gets better fuel efficiency with the cruise control set at 70-75 mph than at 60.
This article only mentions gas prices for cars, but a lot of people around here will be spending the weekend on their boats...and marine fuel prices are still dreadfully high.

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Scott S. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent

Gas Money - 2009-06-30 14:18:56

Great! The dip in gas prices is easing the strain on our pocketbooks. But, I think a lot of folks still want to save gas money, given the current state of our economy.

Well, heres how you can do it:

1) Drive 60 mph on the freeway! Going over will not only accelerate your speed but also the rate at which you spend money, to the tune of an extra quarter per gallon of gas for every 5mph above 60mph that you drive!
2) Properly inflate your tires! This can boost your fuel economy by 3 percent!

If you all want more tips and even a nice coupon on your next purchase of motor oil, check out the Driver Smarter Challenge at www.drivesmarterchallenge.org

During this summer driving season, challenge yourself to improve your fuel economy and watch the savings coming pouring in!

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Sameer Ranade - , - Karma: Neutral