My Green Life

A small, but noteworthy event took place yesterday which showed me that my dad may have been right all along. My dad and I have very different driving styles. Dad prefers to go five under the speed limit. I, on the other hand, like to think of the speed limit as the minimum and five over is perfectly acceptable. However, with rumors spreading about how driving at slower speeds will save you on gas, I skeptically decided to give it a shot. I do mainly highway driving, so I made a conscious effort to go no more than 60 mph at any given time (a 5-7 mph speed reduction). Well, the results amazed me! Normally, I get about 310 miles before that little orange gas light stares me down. But, with my new reduced speed driving style, I was able to travel 345 miles AND the angry gas light didn’t even become illuminated. That extra 35 miles equals about a gallon of gas or $4.15 in Portland’s fine city. Little changes are simple, and they make a noticeable difference immediately. So dad, almost 24 years later, I am finally sold on your driving habits.