Hypermiling - Week # 4 - Reactions

Maybe the "newness" or the fun of hypermiling is starting to wear off, but I have found myself getting a bit lazy or not paying as much attention as I was at the beginning. To really do it right hypermiling really does require you to fully pay attention to everything that's going on around you. I think many of us get in our driving mode and tend to let our minds wander and somehow go on autopilot.

I have seen some news programs and some blog posts or comments where people seem to think hypermilers cause dangerous driving conditions by driving too slowly or using so-called "techniques" (like drafting--meaning following too closely behind a large truck to let them break your wind resistance) that no one in their right mind would even think about trying.

In my experience so far, it seems like people who are speeding to pass before slamming their brakes at the red light are much more dangerous drivers than hypermilers. Although, some might then come back and say they wouldn't have to speed to pass if that idiot in front of them wasn't hypermiling in the first place. My response: Don't we both leave the red light at the same time anyway? What's the point in hurrying up to stop?

On another note, I got to fill up twice this week (long out-of-town trip). I haven't calculated my mileage yet, but will be posting that soon.