65 on 70

On the other day, I was talking with friends and topic shifted to about how fast to drive on Interstate Highway. It started when said he would get upset when someone is driving 70 miles per hour on passing lane (left lane). Then, other said he had driving 120 MPH once when he noticed.

If you don't know, speed limit on freeway is usually 70 MPH (about 110 km/hr).

I drive 65 MPH on 70 speed limit. I know in this case I'm not normal.

I do this because it saves gas. I used drive 70 on 70 but when I started to drive more on backroads to Atlanta or Birmingham and less on freeway, thus driving 65 or 55, I found I got better mileage.

I got the best mileage last time when I went back to Jacksonville. I drove 65 on I-20 to Riverside, then got on US-78 and AL-144 and 77 whose speed limits are 55. I spent the three days weekend there and before heading back to Birmingham, I filled up tank. I found out I drove 44 miles per gallon.

44 MPG!

It's like hybrid.

My car's manufactures MPG is about 37 MPG on highway.

I think most cars are designed to run around this speed range. At least I don't see points driving faster risking for accident and consuming more gas. I'm fine with driving 65 miles.

Of course I wish there were high speed rails. That would make life a lot easier. You would just pop in to a train for a couple of hours ride to Atlanta or Nashville, not having to drive for three or four hours along with some crazy drivers or 18-wheelers.