If you value your time ....MOVE CLOSER TO WORK....DUH! 126 miles here, another said 85 miles, I hate it because I have to drive 15 miles. I don't understand people who won't move closer or find a job closer to home. Outrageous gas bills and wearing out the vehicle. I know that I will be at home drinking a beer and you are still on the road!

 

Well, I knew going in that the drive would be brutal, but the options were to sell my house and make my wife move with me to Richmond, in which case she would give up her pretty good job, and my stepson would have had to leave all of his frinds for a new school, or I could buy a beater and make the drive. I spend a stupid amount of money on gas right now, but my career is nearing the 20 year mark, so the drive is only a factor for about 21 more weeks. When I started out, gas was about $1.80. $4/ gallon would have made me put a lot more thought into the drive. I can't complain, though, it was all my choice.

 

Without factoring the small towns you mentioned, the difference between 63 MPH and 55 MPH over 85 miles is about 12 minutes... (85 miles at 55 MPH is about 93 minutes and at 63 MPH is about 81 minutes).

Jason

 

I know that it doesn't seem to make sense to drive 100+ miles a day for work to someone who lives just down the street from work, but sometimes the person doesn't have a choice. Especially when family is involved, like stu37d explained.

The car pool lanes here in Texas ALWAYS seem empty. One person and one car, everywhere you go. America has too much pride to save money on gas. I'm lucky enough to live in a place where I can take the bus a lot.

Driving a 30 year old pickup that gets terrible gas mileage definitely isn't economical now that gas is 4 bucks a gallon, but it's a concious choice because I enjoy the vehicle and I can afford it. To the people that post on FTE and say things like "HELP I just installed 36 inch tires and my 460 is only getting 5 miles to the gallon, I was about to buy a 6 inch lift but now my fuel costs are taking 2/3 of my paycheck," I say this: If you can't afford the responsibilities of such a vehicle, stop wasting your money on it, sell it and buy a Ford Escort. If you're strapped for cash and driving a vehicle that gets 5 miles to the gallon in today's world, something as silly as a lift kit is about the stupidest thing you can do with your money right now.

Excellent thread people - a lot of good posts that make you think!

 

You assume an average speed of 55 or 63. I drive about 3 miles to the interstate, through several lights and morning traffic. I get on US hwy 460 and drive another 50 miles on 4 lane roads. There are some lights along that route, as well. All I ever use is my wristwatch- not very scientific. I leave at 6:05 or so and get to work at about 7:50 or so. The time is very close regardless of the speed.

If only there were some sort of public transportation available for my unique probems! I could definitely use those three and a half hours much more productively; homework, sleep, reading...

 

Yes, it is a good thread. Some people will have to make a choice....house payment or gas. What would really suck if we went to ...GASP....RATIONING! Or if big Al got his way and you had to pay for "carbon credits". Some would have no choice but to move closer. If you can afford it...no problem for me. I don't want to hear those whiners that drive umpteen miles yet do nothing about it.

 

People from Michigan always drive in the "No Zones". That's the only way to drive!

 

Well your name clux says it!

Idiot1

 

Gas prices are out of control. Regardless of what speed you drive there's no reason gas needs to cost almost $5/gallon.

 

Ever thought of what that does to the trucks economy? you know the guy that is hauling your groceries for you to buy at the store and even on a good day might get 7mpg and your helping him burn more fuel which in turn means more demand and even higher prices plus the increase in the consumer goods you have to buy do to the extra cost of transportation. yep thats a great idea, save spend a dollar to save a nickel

There how is that for not giving you the obvious your an idiot driving in my blind spot (yes I drive a semi) and BTW if a semi kicks a rock into your windshield because your too close THE SEMI IS NOT FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE TO REPLACE IT.

 

If someone in a car, truck, van or any other motorized vehicle besides a semi throws a rock up and it hits my windshield, they are not financially responsible either. It's called comprehensive coverage.

Question, exactly how much do you think it effects the trucks fuel economy when my little car is 5-6 car lengths back?

Do you have a "blind spot" when i can see your mirrors?




Nevermind don't respond to these questions, I'm done with this thread.

 

Safety is most important. Slowpoking is a dangerous career move. When somebody comes up behind me and wants to pass....I make it as easy and as safe as possible for us both. Or I pick up the pace. Screw the MPG. I wish more people would be the same way. I go whatever speed is necessary at the moment. If it's called for me to bump her up to 90 to make sure I stay out of a bad situation...(No specifics) I will do so. If I need to do 55, 60, 65.....40, 15 or whatever..... to be with the flow....so be it.

My family's lives are more important that a few extra bucks for pizza........

Speed doesn't kill...... Being stoopid kills.

I feel for folks that the gas prices are putting a severe squeeze on. We all must do what we have to do to keep the family fed and safe.

 

I agree.

But I just gotta brag a little. My best tank ever lasted me 5 1/2 weeks just going to work and back. Consistently get between 4 and 5 weeks. Right now I'm on week 3, gotta fill up soon though, as I did a bit of extra running around on this one.

Living close to work pays off for me. Sucks for the wife though. She fills up once a week.

 

I live 10 miles from work yet somehow I manage to put 100+ miles per week on my car. oh well.

 

Thanks for your response.

I just know slowing down will save you dollars. I know some folks do not need to save dollars. Just don't threaten me with your 5000 lb vehicle. Remember, this. I have a large truck. I have a fast car. But I also have a Hyundai, to do my daily driving with.

You threaten me with your 5000 lb rig, and I might just respond with ways to defend myself!

Drive on!