I like numbers. I like to figure stuff. Especially stuff about money. This post has been rolling around in my mind for awhile. And I don’t think there is going to be any room in my brain for new blog post ideas until this one gets out of my brain. So, here we go.
Gas. Gas. Gas. Everybody is talking about the high price of gas. Every night on the news, it seems we have hit a new record for the average cost of a gallon of gas in this country. Even the president is talking about gas. Lots of campers, like us, are talking about the price of gas.
Now when we are not camping, I visit my mom twice a week. Our usual routine is that Dan goes with me once during the week, and I visit her by myself on the weekend. That’s when he stays home and watches sports. Call me June Cleaver, but usually the only time I drive is when I visit my mom by myself.
The drive to my mom’s home is 34 miles one way, most of it is on the highways. I drive the speed limit – which is 60 miles per hour. Everybody, and I mean everybody, passes me. Young, old, women, men, new cars, old cars, trucks, limos, and even RVs go right on by. I am like a rock in a stream standing still with a river of cars flowing right past me.
Now most of them are not driving like crazy, speed demons. Just faster than 60 mph, probably about 70 mph.
But here’s the thing. According to energy.gov, driving 70 mph versus 60 mph reduces fuel efficiency by 14% (on average.)
Let’s translate that a bit more.
According to that same website, energy.gov, the average miles per gallon at 60 miles per hour is 28. The average mpg is at 70 mph is 24. And according to fhwa.dot.gov, the average number of miles driven per year is 13, 476. Yes, I know it’s all averages, but you can adjust things up or down for your personal situation.
Continuing down this road, at 60 mph, 13,476 miles would require 481.29 gallons of gas. At $5 per gallon, that is $2406.43.
At 70 mph, 13,476 miles would require 561.50 gallons of gas. At $5 per gallon, that is $2807.50.
The difference is $401.07.
Let’s keep going.
Driving 13,476 at 60 mph would require 224.6 hours.
Driving 13,476 at 70 would require 192.51 hours.
That’s a difference of 32.09 hours.
So, 401.07 divided by 32.09 is a rate of $12.50 per hour. So, when you drive 60 mph instead of 70 mph, you are earning $12.50 an hour. Remember, that amount is not subject to taxation, so it’s like “cash under the table.” Except you don’t have to worry about being audited. Now, $12.50 per hour may be less than what working folks can earn. But for us retired folks, it’s a pretty good deal.
Even retired folks don’t take the deal though. My husband doesn’t. And I don’t say a word about it. The closest I get is when someone flies by us on the highway, and he says, “Wow. Look how fast this car is going” – or something along those lines. And I’ll say, “Yep. They are just throwing money out the window.” That’s the closest I get.
And for full disclosure here, when I worked, I did not drive 60 mph. I usually drove 5 mph over the speed limit. I had a long commute – and a Prius, and, frankly, I wanted to get to where I was going. Especially home at the end of the day.
And for continued full disclosure, if the speed limit is higher than 60 mph, I will drive the speed limit. It seems to me to be the safe thing to do. When Dan is driving the travel trailer, he never goes over 65 mph. Again, safety first.
What do you think? Why don’t people drive with fuel efficiency in mind?
I’m guessing 60 mph feels too slow for people. They would rather get to where they are going. Maybe the financial savings doesn’t seem like much – especially when it is thought of as per trip, rather than an annual amount. Maybe the dollars are not tangible enough. Maybe people think they can make more money somewhere or save money somewhere else, but they can’t make more time – which is true. Maybe people just follow the crowd. Maybe people just don’t think about it.
But I do think about it. And if you’ve read this far, you have, too. If you want $401.07, you know where to find it. Otherwise, I’ll just smile and wave as you go by. I’ll see you down the road, right after I stop at the bank.
Safe travels!
Chambers on the Road 
I had a dear friend who kept driving 55 mph—-even after the laws changed , back in the day. He also inflated his tires to 40 psi—to decrease rolling resistance. Anyway, traveling with he and his wife was such a delight. There was actually time to take in the scenery! Of course, folks were flying around us left and right. My friend, Leon was his name, would say, “See you in the junkyard!” every time someone blew by us. I started to feel a little sorry for the other cars who were in such a big hurry. Perhaps life is better, and cheaper, at 55 mph.
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David, you mention an aspect I hadn’t thought about. It is much more relaxing to drive at 60. And, as your friend, Leon, may have noted as well, I brake less. His comment, “See you in the junkyard!” is a classic and makes me smile. Hope you have a great day!
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Great read, Betty! Hubs has always figured out the most economical speed for each our vehicles. We set the cruise control at that (generally right around the speed limit) and that’s where she stays. We always laugh at people in such a hurry to pass us and then nine times out of ten, they’re the very next car ahead of us at the stop light. We laugh especially hard if we see them down the road, pulled over for speeding. We’re always tempted to smile and wave, but we don’t because we’re sure the traffic officer wouldn’t appreciate our good humour. Many years ago I watched a documentary about how the severity of the outcomes of crashes increases exponentially with speed increases. That was very sobering. Good for you for saving the money and for making a decision that increases your safety on the road!
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I have read the stats about safety, too. It is very sobering. And you are right about cars passing you by just to sit waiting for you at the stop light. Everybody is concerned about the price of gas, but most don’t seem to act like it when driving on the highway. And some are even talking on the phone or texting while going 70 mph, but that’s a whole other post! Thanks for your comment, Terry, and have a great day!
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Wonderful analysis…thank you!
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You are more than welcome. Thank you! Enjoy your day!
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A very thoughtful analysis, and I appreciate the time it took you to come up with these numbers! When we are towing, of course my husband slows way down, and I do find that slower speed to be much more relaxing.
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I enjoy figuring out things like that. I thought about doing the calculations related to towing, but I didn’t. I don’t like my posts to be too long, and I also want my posts to be somewhat focused. But we both know, the savings would be huge. Which is good because the gas costs are also sky high. Again though, as we both know, it is so worth it. Safe travels!
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Driving 60mph is boring and makes me drowsy, so whenever I feel like I might fall asleep I speed up to 80 or more and weave around traffic like Mario Andretti. That shot of adrenaline wakes me right up. 😜
Just kidding of course. I do think about fuel consumption and safety. I drive at or below the speed limit. People appreciate my driving. I can tell because they honk their horn a give me a wave—usually with only one finger. The bright side is I never have to worry about stomping my brakes for the next speed trap.
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Thanks for the laugh! I don’t get those “special waves.” Probably because I am a woman of some years. Either that or I just don’t see it.. 🙂 Hope you have a good day!
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Nice calculations! In New York we had a 55 mph for the longest time during the gas crunch. I don’t know what your field was but I think you would have made a pretty good programmer!
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I remember the 55 mph! Your comment is spot on. I did work as a main frame systems programmer when I was first out of college – for about 7 years. I left that occupation to raise my children. When I returned to the workforce, I ended up at a community college – in a Learning Center, basically tutoring math and algebra. Eventually, I became a director. Now, I love being retired. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, and I hope you enjoy the day!
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Amazing! I worked on a mainframe for a few years also at AT&T. Then I went with Unix, Client Server, Databases, Internet, etc. The changes were fast and furious and exciting! You too, enjoy the weekend. Nice weather here, but hot!
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My son works for AT&T. He lives in Dallas. I can imagine how fast the changes were during your career! Our weekend has been hot, but we are supposed to have a couple days of cooler, less humid weather. I love those kinds of days! Enjoy your Sunday!
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I thought for a minute you had bought a new car…and then I said, “Wait, it’s Betty and she can’t tow a camper with that bling!” It was a delightful bit of humor, and of course, on the mark.
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Can you imagine me driving that on the highway going 60? LOL. Oh, the looks I would get! A Lamborghini did pass me last week on the highway, and it was driven exactly as Grampa describes in his comment – like Mario Andretti! Have a good Saturday!
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Great information Betty! Thanks for doing the math for us!
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You are welcome. Gotta save that money up for Yellowstone! 🙂 Have a good Saturday!
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I like saving money 💰
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I like your critical thinking skills Betty. We live in a world that doesn’t do much intentional pre-thought.
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Thanks, Gary. I do think there are many who think critically. We just don’t hear about them in the media, including social media, as much as all the others!
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I love your math! I watched a report on CBS News not that long ago — prior to the huge surge in gas prices — that discussed this very fact about going slower to save money. You’re very much in vogue right now, Betty. Keep it up! – Marty
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Thanks, Marty! I sure don’t feel that I am in vogue, but, heck, if you say so, I’ll take it!
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I love when a math whiz does the calculations for me!!! Impressive numbers! I’m a speed limit or below type chick married to a (possibly reformed) lead foot. Me keeping my mouth shut to him when he’s driving, about facts like you’ve presented, has perhaps paid off. We’ve done several long distance camping trips recently and much to my delighted surprise, he is now driving 60 mph, no more than 65 mph, while towing. Thanks for such a fun informative read, Betty. I see you have plans for Yellowstone. We have plans for Grand Tetons in September. Unless the “numbers” get exponentially worse between now and then. Nah, we’ll still go.
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The important thing is to be safe when driving, and even more so when towing! Yes, we are headed to Yellowstone. We have 4 nights in Grand Tetons before Yellowstone. No matter what happens with gas prices, like you, we are going. We have not been there before, and it was a major effort to research and plan this trip. God-willing, we are headed that way in August. We can cut back in other areas if needed. Hope you have a great Sunday!
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I’m not a numbers person so I appreciate you doing the math. I rarely drive faster than 60-65 even when the speed limit is 70. I’m simply not comfortable driving that fast. Honestly, I don’t even like going that fast when someone else is driving.
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I totally understand and agree with you. Dan drives between 65-70 usually. I prefer slower, but I can live with that. Hope you have a good Sunday!
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Omg Betty- that did my head in. Not a numbers girl and I couldn’t tell you the price of petrol or bread. I need what I need. But I never go over budget and there is money in the bank. My bigger issue is : if you had all that money would you buy an orange car ?
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If you have all you need and money in the bank, that is perfect. And you really don’t need to know how to figure anything else! If I had all that money, I would not buy a Lamborghini or any orange car. I would probably keep a good sum in the bank for security. Maybe upgrade some things at home (not a bigger house though), and definitely take some trips. If you had all that money, would you buy a fancy car like that? In any case, thank you for your comment, and I hope you have a nice Sunday.
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I love this and I can tell you really do like numbers! I have to agree about people flying by me even when I’m over the limit – it’s just annoying and it’s why we have so many accidents. Yes, 60 seems slow but it depends on the highway itself. We have a cross town parkway nearby and the controlled access part is 60 mph and it is reasonable (athough the cops love to give out tickets because too many people drive way over the limit). But it is annoying when going through cities on a major interstate where you’ve been doing 75 on the freeway and then all the sudden you are at 60 or lower. That I do not like!
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Yes, a big slow down quickly doesn’t seem good. This highway is 60 mph, and it is through the suburban area of St. Louis. But nobody drives 60! This highway is very crowded during rush hours, and now that we are retired, we are thankful we can avoid those times! Hope you have a good Sunday!
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Thanks for the post. However, too many numbers for me to wrap my head around. I’m glad you did all the math. I’m a happy right lanner. I believe I’ll just keep the cruise control on the rig at 63 and watch everyone fly by me. Doing so is less stressful and you do indeed get to see more of the countryside around you. Have a great day.
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You’re welcome. That’s how I feel when I see some poetry on some blogs. It just doesn’t go in my brain! I am sure you are a very safe driver, and that is all that matters. Hope you have a great day, too!
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Wow. I knew intellectually that gas mileage was better if you drive slower, but I never stopped to figure it out in actual dollars. Very interesting. I think it is similar to raising the thermostat a couple of degrees in the winter. You know that uses more energy, but you don’t stop to figure out how much that costs, or what resources are used. Back in the old days people had to chop more wood to get the house warmer, but now we just move a dial. Or push the pedal harder on the car without thinking about it. I think as far as driving, people are impatient and want to get where they are going, and don’t know the actual cost. We need a little monitor that shows the dollars being used, along with the speed, etc. Thanks for this information!!
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You’re welcome. I agree with you; people can be impatient. And things are so easy now! When I heard the 14% number, I wondered – is it really worth it? With my Prius, getting almost 50 mpg and with gas much cheaper, it didn’t seem as worth it to slow down. These days, for me, it is very much worth it – especially when towing a travel trailer! Thanks for your comment, and I hope you have a great Sunday!
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I love math and I love how you used it so effectively to make your excellent point. Maybe more people will heed your idea. I saw a funny billboard that said something like gas is now more expensive than beer so drink and don’t drive.
In my lifetime, I can recall gas going for 29.9 cents so reaching $5 a gallon is a huge jump. But even several years ago, I was amazed at how expensive gas was in Europe going for more than $5 a gallon when we were enjoying gas at less than $2 a gallon. Just checking now, I see that in some European countries, it costs more than $10 a gallon. No wonder many Europeans drive such small cars.
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Thanks, David. I remember, even back in 1979 when I visited Europe, hearing gas was much more expensive in Europe than here in the U.S. Back then, there were mopeds everywhere in Europe. I really don’t know if there still are or if maybe some have been replaced by e-bikes. It just seems odd to me with so much complaining about the price of gas, hardly anybody is slowing down – at least that I have seen. Hope you have a great Sunday!
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My husband does most of our driving also. He drives between 60 and 65 although the speed limit in Michigan is 75. Everyone passes us by like we are sitting still. He drives slower more out of safety issues recognizing at almost 82 his reflexes are not like they once were. But occasionally he speeds up and I remind him of the money we save by going slower – I don’t want to tell him he scares if he drives too fast because he is too old for that. 🙂
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I think you are a wise woman – to not tell your husband he is too old to drive that fast. 7Our travel trailer tires are rated for 65 mph, so that is the fastest Dan will go when towing the travel trailer. Thank heavens – because we go to Michigan! Enjoy your day!
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Betty, I am an impatient driver and have a lead foot, Malcolm minds the rules. #1 he doesn’t want a ticket and #2 for fuel efficiency. We take a lot of road trips and he hates to have to let me drive while he is napping. “Do you know how much money you just spent on gas in the past two hours?” “No, I don’t dear, but I know you are about to tell me.” “Oh look, we made it by check-in time.” Different philosophies. Seriously, though, I have tried to be mindful of late. These prices are crushing. Great post.
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Thank you! Why does it seem – more often than not – the lead foot is married to the steady as she (or he) goes. 🙂 I guess that keeps life interesting! The last time I drove with Dan as the passenger, he said, “Why don’t you put it on cruise control?” It was. Just on 60 mph.
LOL. Hope you have a great rest of the week!
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Every car has a ‘sweet spot’ the fuel efficiency has a lot to do with stop and go traffic as well. Do I have a smooth ride on the highway, or do I drive in town, with traffic lights. What about tires? The ‘sweet spot’ on most cars is between 45-65. How big, or small is your car?
Smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic cars will get their best mileage at higher speeds. Bigger, heavier, less aerodynamic vehicles will get their best mileage at lower speeds.
What about the road load? I remembered from school (long time ago).
road load power = av + bv² + cv³ this all has a lot to do with it.
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I am sure you are right. I think I hit the “math limit” though with many of my readers. Our car is a Ford Expedition. It is a big car which we need to pull our travel trailer. We made a conscious decision – even though the gas mileage is low – to just have one car. We are very happy with that decision, and I have also come to like being in a bigger car. We sit up higher. As a side note, I see people texting every single time we go somewhere. It is scary! We are mindful about our driving. We do all our errands all at once. If we forget something, we live without it until next week. I guess like many things in life, it is all about trade-offs or balance. Thanks for your comment.
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I am glad you found a car that fits your needs. We have a bigger vehicle as well, we had three dogs and two adults. 🙂 As for gas mileage, it’s good but not great. We have one vehicle right now as well, because I work at home and my husband, who is still on light duty until October 2023, works odd hours. Enjoy your summer!
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Thank you. I hope you enjoy your summer, too!
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Nice post 😄
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Thank you!
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My pleasure 😄
Have a beautiful day!!🤠
Butterfly 🦋
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This is so awesome. I l o v e math!!! My neighbor wants to take the HiSET test to further her education and asked me to tutor her in math. This post is what we are learning right now- figuring cost, time, miles. Pretty cool. Love that you drive whatever speed you please. Whoever thought $5 a gallon would ever even be a possibility? A gas station here went down a dime and we were thrilled. And, it was still $4.49. Ha ha.
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That is wonderful you are helping your neighbor prepare to take the HiSET! I used to work at a Community College, so I know math is one of the hardest subjects! You are helping her to have a better life. Yes, the cost of gas is crazy. The price of gas seems stuck here at 4.79, and we’ve been happy that it hasn’t gone up more!
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I didn’t know you worked at a Community College. That’s awesome! Math can definitely be tricky- so many math words, symbols, functions to know and remember. Someone once told me math is a language- that made sense to me. Thank you- we started a week ago. Are already through fractions and decimals. Onto to percentages, ratios, and algebra soon. I read that the HiSET is 45% algebra related. She started out pretty “Ill never pass this. I’m bad at math.” She’s done a 360 and is excited about math, in a week! Love that!
The highest gas we’ve seen here is $4.59. Knock on wood. I know it’s a lot higher elsewhere. I feel for people that are paying high prices. Wages don’t necessarily increase, but prices sure do…
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That is so wonderful your neighbor is getting excited about math! It is definitely its own language. As my mom would say, you are earning your wings! Yes, the gas prices are a challenge for many. Knowing how to do math can help people make adjustments!
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