Hypermiling
Rising fuel prices, combined with a growing awareness of environmental concerns, have caused some motorists to adopt some extreme fuel saving measures. The practice, known as”hypermiling”, involves some extremely dubious driving techniques in an attempt to cut petrol consumption.
Popular tactics for these”hypermilers” include driving on over-inflated tyres (by up to 15psi over the recommended level), tailgating and freewheeling. The RAC has pointed out that these practices are dangerous, if not downright illegal, and they are advising motorists not to follow the example set by the hypermilers.
Louise Zucchi, a spokesperson for the RAC, says: “We can well understand why motorists in these days of the credit crunch would want to make as many savings on fuel as possible. Indeed, we would endorse such tips as avoiding fierce acceleration and turning off the air-con. But it is a very different matter when it comes to some other suggestions such as over-inflating tyres and tailgating. Such methods endanger the driver and other road users and can never be recommended.”
Sensible, intelligent driving, together with good car and tyre maintenance, should be encouraged, but it appears these hypermilers have no sense of proportion and are taking cost-cutting measures to ridiculous extremes.
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
