It takes more energy to drive faster, which means burning more gas or diesel.  In fact, the average car uses 20% more fuel to travel the same distance at 75 mph than 55 mph.   The chart to the left shows that average fuel economy is greatest between 35 and 45 mph.

Driving slower is also safer.  From 2007 to 2009 within the City of Waco, excessive speed or driving too fast for conditions was cited as a significant factor in 1 out of every 5 crashes and 1 out of every 4 fatal & serious injury crashes*.

Gradual acceleration and driving with the traffic flow also helps.  Aggressive driving uses between 30% to 40% more fuel but reduces travel time by only 4%.

Driving smartly will not only improve Waco’s air quality, it’ll save you money and make our streets safer.

*Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization: Crash Analysis for City of Waco: 2007 to 2009

For More Information

The following websites provide additional information on how to drive smarter:

www.fueleconomy.gov