Slow Down!

This month my electric company was kind enough to give me more than a sour taste in my mouth from our latest bill.  On the back of the statement, they supplied free hints for saving money at the pump.  I had seen this information before, written in percentages, but when I saw the actual money lingo I took note. 

Observe the Speed Limit  Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph becomes the equivalent of spending an extra 30 cents per gallon for gas.

Thirty cents per gallon.  For EACH 5 mph over 60!  (I tend to drive about 73 on the interstate.)  That is significant!  What could you save on a whole tank of gas?  When I did some brief research to confirm the statement (trying to decide if I really did need to slow down) I found similar information on  this govenrnment site…

While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.

You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.26 per gallon for gas.

Observing the speed limit is also safer.

So my two information sources are pretty much in agreement.  I’m going to give it a try.  Do we really save that much time driving 5 mph faster, anyway?  For an hour long trip… five minutes, maybe?  If I slow down I could save at least $1.00 in that hour, and more if we slow down on the interstate.  Hmmm… save $1.00+ or save 5 minutes?  I’m going to try to save some $$$ on our next trip. 

Anyone else want to slow down and enjoy the ride?  And the savings?

Check out more Frugal Friday over at Biblical Womanhood.