Stop 'n' Go Wastes Gas and Looks Stupid

We live in Los Angeles so I consider us experts on traffic...but that doesn't mean we're good at driving in a responsible or fuel efficient way. For example, ever been stuck in that eternal stop 'n' go and wonder why in the name of high gas prices that guy next to you is revving his engine to speed up to the car in front of him only to slam on the brakes six feet later?

Or on my quiet suburban Valley street, all 1/8 of a mile, my neighbors and I balk at the brain trusts who drag race solo to the end of the block then have to come to a screeching halt at the stop sign.

That kind of driving, besides being erratic and dangerous, does a devastating number on your average fuel efficiency, not to mention your greenhouse gas emissions. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel.

The answer, of course, is to drive at a constant, steady moderate speed no matter what your inner impatient brat implores you to do. A car consumes the most gas as it accelerates, while a moving car doesn't require much gasoline just to keep it in motion. Ideally, you should hardly be using that brake--expert drivers roll to a dead stop at every red light and in crammed traffic. Or at least try slowing as much as possible before braking.

Deep thought for the day: taking your foot off the gas has the same effect as the brake without the wasted fuel and rampant emissions.

For more information on this and other gas savers, check THIS out.

Besides, all that lurching around, slamming on the brakes, flooring the gas, then hitting the brake again is making your passengers car sick. It's your own fault if someone heaves.