Here's How Much Speeding Really Costs Drivers At The Pump
It's common knowledge that drivers with a lead foot tend to use more gas, but now we know how much it actually costs.
GasBuddy.com's Gregg Laskowski says speed demons pay as much as $1 more per gallon at the gas station.
The figure is based on research compiled by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Here's what they found:
- Increasing speed from 50 mph to 60 mph = an average 12.4 percent drop in miles per gallon.
- Increasing speed from 60 mph to 70 mph = an average 14 percent decrease in miles per gallon.
- Increasing from 70 mph to 80 mph = another 15 percent drop in miles per gallon.
- Faster than 80 mph = a 41 percent decrease in fuel efficiency compared to those cruising at 50 mph.
You could always invest in a more fuel-efficient car while you're at it, too. Check out the DOE's list of its top ten EPA-rated rides.