Gas Prices Motivate Dangerous Gas Saving Techniques

Americans are up in arms about the ever-increasing prices to fill up at the pump in today’s economy. There seems to be no end in sight, and this has American drivers fuming and looking to find new ways to get more mileage from their buck. Sales of economy cars are rising and sales of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks are seeing a decline like not experienced before. It is difficult to drive anywhere without noticing a large dual-axle or other gas hungry pickup on the side of the road with a “for sale” in the window, placed there by another owner fed up with filling the large tank. Sales of motorcycles and scooters are seeing a rise across the nation as well, and many are skipping road-tripping vacations this summer due to filling station expenses. A disturbing trend that some motorists are turning to is the use of dangerous driving techniques known as “hypermiling” in efforts to save gasoline.

Not all “hypermiling” techniques are dangerous. Simply leaving the air conditioner off or employing cruise control can help with fuel economy and are perfectly legal and safe activities. Dangerous Hypermiling involves techniques such as drafting behind larger vehicles such as tractor-trailer trucks. Drafting is often used in automobile racing to save on power (and gas) before “slingshotting” around an opponent. In this application, it is used to reduce drag caused by the wind, allowing for more miles per gallon to be achieved. This sort of tailgating is inadvisable to say the least, as driving closely behind a semi makes it difficult for its driver to see you and for you to see what lies on the road ahead, until it is often too late. Avoiding braking whenever possible is also a popular way to shave miles, yet taking curves faster than advised is quite foolhardy. More experienced drivers in autos with manual transmissions find they can travel in neutral in many situations, allowing the engine to rest and conserve fuel consumption.

With many drivers employing negligible techniques such as those described above, it is more essential than ever before to pay attention to fellow drivers on the road. Another driver could put you or your family in harm’s way due to their hazardous preoccupation with saving gas. If involved in an accident with one of these drivers, a personal injury lawyer will be necessary to help ensure you and your family is protected. Extra legal penalty may be due a driver employing these techniques, but your health, safety, and financial retribution is important as well.

Lloyd Robles heads Robles & Associates, an Austin, Texas based firm, specializing in car accident law. Please visit www.roblesassociates.com