Its October already - I must be having a blast, because they say time flies when you're having fun.
I've got the new hybrid Civic up to 46.7 miles per gallon. YeeHa. Its sort of a 'high horse', because I feel like I have the moral high ground for having a hybrid. I'm doing my part in conserving resources, and reducing our dependence on Mid East oil, what are you doing? Never mind that I have no idea what happens to the huge battery when the time comes for disposal.
It has become an obsession of mine, to see how many MPGs I can pull out of this car. There is a skill to it that I am getting better at, but it takes a whole new mind set, and a whole new way of driving. The first time I took it on a long road trip I didn't do very well, I think I got an average 39 MPG's. I was not happy, since the EPA claims this car gets 51 MPGs and that was the deal clincher for me. So I worked on that: I coasted when I could, stopped racing off the red lights and (biggie) started doing the speed limits. Its taken about a month of driving super conservatively to bring the average up from 39 to 46.7 mpgs.
Now I give little unheard sermons to the people who pass me, especially the PERSON (cause certainly a huge SUV should be occupied by only one person) in the huge Escalade, and find a few minutes later I'm pulled up the the same red light that they're sitting at. They used probably five times more fuel than I did to get to the same place at the same time. Dummies. I also advise (unheard) the parade that developes behind me on Route 165 that today is really their lucky day since they will not be getting a speeding ticket.
Being a reformed road racer myself, I know darn well what those people behind me are saying. I used to say the same things when I was behind a 'conservative' driver. I've learned a few things since I've changed my sinful ways:
#1. How to relax in the car and enjoy the ride.
#2. That driving faster doesn't mean you will get anywhere faster.
#3. Saying "not me, not today" when I pass a speed trap (without having to brake) feels good.
Since I spend a large amount of time driving, this has been a life changing experience for me, for the better I think. I'm wondering now what other area of my life I can improve with a little change.
Peace
3 comments:
I hate conservative drivers. I'm always trying to get up their asses with my less than 20 mpg truck.
But I love you cuz you're my mom and I bet you're adorable with the line of cars behind you...X
You know, when you drive slow you get to see more stuff in peoples' windows.....
Keep up the good work.
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