The positive side to high gas prices.......

travroc · #1 07-01-2008, 12:08 PM

I have noticed that with high gas prices folks here in Southern California (Inland Empire), have really slowed down, perhaps conserving fuel.&nbsp\\; Drivers weaving in and out of traffic at 90 mph has become the exception rather than the norm these days, and makes it a lot safer to ride on our highways.&nbsp\\; On many occasions, the fast lane is pacing between 70-75mph, which was unheard of before.&nbsp\\; Traffic seems to be lighter as well, with folks only driving when they absolutely have to.&nbsp\\; Have you experienced similar where you are from?

Rebel Ryder · #2 07-01-2008, 12:16 PM

[sm=confused06.gif]even though I just posted negatively, again,&nbsp\\;about idiot drivers,&nbsp\\; I must say that I have noticed somewhat less traffic.&nbsp\\; speed seems like it maybe easing too.&nbsp\\; can't say for sure but seems to be a little safer here in s. fla.&nbsp\\;but I ain't gettin me hopes up. [:@]

panamoncreel · #3 07-01-2008, 12:16 PM

I drive like an old man now (no offense to anyone on here&nbsp\\;[8D] ) and set my cruise control right on 65... Wife hates it.&nbsp\\; But my mpg spikes.

RoadKingRon1 · #4 07-01-2008, 12:18 PM

Same down here.&nbsp\\; Even the 18 wheelers have slowed down to around 60-65mph. Only problem the doo-gooders who think everyone should drive at their speed and clog up the highway by driving in the left lane.

cadman311 · #5 07-01-2008, 12:48 PM

They drive 80 around here? And 50 in the city.

cadman311 · #6 07-01-2008, 03:21 PM

Just came back from your beltway. It's bump to bump doing 80 mph. A State&nbsp\\;Cop pass me as I was doing 90 mph so why slow down. &nbsp\\;But not as many old people on fix income on the road.

mtgriz · #7 07-01-2008, 03:38 PM

Just completed a trip in my&nbsp\\;VW TDI from East Texas to Tucson and back and I noticed&nbsp\\;a similar trend. Some 18 wheelers have slowed a bit...I've got to believe it makes a significant difference for&nbsp\\;whoever owns the truck. Even out in West Texas where the posted lilmit is 80 for cars, I set the cruise at 85 and was rarely passed. Big change from last time I was out there.
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I'm taking off on the EG in about 3 weeks for a swing up to the NW and Sturgis...be interesting to see&nbsp\\;if many&nbsp\\;minivans, campers, etc decide to stay home.&nbsp\\;Be OK with me.

HogFather · #8 07-01-2008, 03:48 PM

A lot of the same in Central Florida, slowing down and fewer drivers at times. Another huge notable is boating is way down too. That helps make life at the boat ramps much nicer, less knuckle-heads backing trailers.

Bluerose · #9 07-01-2008, 04:20 PM

I don't mind the slow down to much...I've never been one to go over 80 anyway...and the traffic is much lighter most days over here too.
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The&nbsp\\;only issue I have are&nbsp\\;the ones in anything but the slow lane doing 50 - 55 on a 65 mph road to "Conserve Gas" (Yes we have one of those at work).&nbsp\\; If you want to go slow ad save gas there is a lane for&nbsp\\;for going slow...please don't block other traffic.&nbsp\\;

TwiggyAZ · #10 07-01-2008, 04:39 PM

Have definitely noticed the difference.&nbsp\\; Especially on a drive from SE AZ to Phoenix last weekend.&nbsp\\; For years, the normal is once you get on I10, get in the left lane and stay there for hundreds of miles lest you loose your "spot".&nbsp\\;
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On this trip the Semis were all doing 65, traffic was half what it usually was, and you could regularly get in the right lane and cruise comfortably.&nbsp\\; A pleasant trip that I normally absolutely will avoid unless I had to make.&nbsp\\;
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Traffic in my town has gotten to be much less and slower also.&nbsp\\; I like it.
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But I'm never buying into the "demand makes prices go up" theory. More like the "you want people to stop spewing crap in the air,crank up gas prices,it will stop" theory.Big WORLD brother at work IMO.Not that that's a bad thing(not spewing crap in the air!)