I can't drive 55.
So it's no secret that I lean towards the GOP when it comes to most things, and I'm not sure if this is contradictory or not, but I've been doing a little experiment the last several weeks.
Now gas (as in the fuel for your auto) is really a nonissue for me. I drive a Civic, and my commute to work is roundtrip 20 miles, 95% of it highway. As gas started getting higher and higher, I soon realized that it wasn't worth my time to 'look' for cheap gas. Now if I was aware of a place that was cheaper, then sure, I'd go there (if it was relatively on my way). But only having a 12 to 13 gallon tank, and I wasn't filling up but twice a month anyways, even an 8 cent increase in price, or an increase from one station to another, resulted in a dollar gain a tank. So, yeah, I never really paid attention to the price [difference] of gas.
Well, I started hearing all of these ways to save gas (air up your tires, don't 'gun it,' get out and push]. Well my experiment was to actually try and go 60 mph on the way to and from work. Any slower than that and I would most likely get shot, making my whole experiment null and void, and that just seemed counterproductive.
I have to admit, it was very difficult, but I have gotten used to it. Now don't get me wrong, on long trips (funny enough where it would make the most difference) I think I would still wanna go at least 70 mph. Now going 60 is something you have to make yourself do, it's not instinctual. Now that's it's been awhile, I have noticed a definite difference in how often I'm at the pump, surpringingly. I really didn't think it would be worth it, but I now have been going almost 3 weeks without having to fill up. That averages out to hitting the gas station about 3 times in two months. It's become a game for me. And you know what? I'm not the only one in the club! I find several cars doing the same thing. 3 times out of 10 if there's a car behind you, they're speeding towards you, contemplating their swerve to get around you. But the other 7? It's nice and calm drivers like myself that are trying to change things. Even at $4 a gallon, I am spending about $85 a month at the pump.
Now I still have to watch my speed, because it's too easy to go 65 or 70+ in the mornings. Now that I drive in the slow lane, and some fool wants to go around someone in the middle lane, but use the far right lane? Yep, they hate me! I just laugh. I used to get all upset and drive quite erratic at times, now I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, listen to my music, and smile that I've had a part in ruining the morning of the miserable human in the car next to me.
I usually yell in my head, "Rushing to the gas station, idiot?" My heart is happy.
So whether it's political, environmental, or financial, next time you find yourself on the expressway, and you have a few minutes to spare - try doing the 60 thing. You just might save a few bucks...at the very least it's therapeutic to piss so many people off all at once.
Enjoy your weekend!
Now gas (as in the fuel for your auto) is really a nonissue for me. I drive a Civic, and my commute to work is roundtrip 20 miles, 95% of it highway. As gas started getting higher and higher, I soon realized that it wasn't worth my time to 'look' for cheap gas. Now if I was aware of a place that was cheaper, then sure, I'd go there (if it was relatively on my way). But only having a 12 to 13 gallon tank, and I wasn't filling up but twice a month anyways, even an 8 cent increase in price, or an increase from one station to another, resulted in a dollar gain a tank. So, yeah, I never really paid attention to the price [difference] of gas.
Well, I started hearing all of these ways to save gas (air up your tires, don't 'gun it,' get out and push]. Well my experiment was to actually try and go 60 mph on the way to and from work. Any slower than that and I would most likely get shot, making my whole experiment null and void, and that just seemed counterproductive.
I have to admit, it was very difficult, but I have gotten used to it. Now don't get me wrong, on long trips (funny enough where it would make the most difference) I think I would still wanna go at least 70 mph. Now going 60 is something you have to make yourself do, it's not instinctual. Now that's it's been awhile, I have noticed a definite difference in how often I'm at the pump, surpringingly. I really didn't think it would be worth it, but I now have been going almost 3 weeks without having to fill up. That averages out to hitting the gas station about 3 times in two months. It's become a game for me. And you know what? I'm not the only one in the club! I find several cars doing the same thing. 3 times out of 10 if there's a car behind you, they're speeding towards you, contemplating their swerve to get around you. But the other 7? It's nice and calm drivers like myself that are trying to change things. Even at $4 a gallon, I am spending about $85 a month at the pump.
Now I still have to watch my speed, because it's too easy to go 65 or 70+ in the mornings. Now that I drive in the slow lane, and some fool wants to go around someone in the middle lane, but use the far right lane? Yep, they hate me! I just laugh. I used to get all upset and drive quite erratic at times, now I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, listen to my music, and smile that I've had a part in ruining the morning of the miserable human in the car next to me.
I usually yell in my head, "Rushing to the gas station, idiot?" My heart is happy.
So whether it's political, environmental, or financial, next time you find yourself on the expressway, and you have a few minutes to spare - try doing the 60 thing. You just might save a few bucks...at the very least it's therapeutic to piss so many people off all at once.
Enjoy your weekend!