driving green

a couple of weeks ago, i happened to catch a news story that stated driving at 50 mph rather than 60 or greater would save you the equivalent of (or somewhere around) .40 cents a gallon (you math folk can figure out the savings). so being a cheap skate and haunted by current gas prices, coupled with my sincere desire to go green in as many ways as possible (another post?), i decided to drive the speed limit (yes i am one of those habitual 7 mph over the speed limit drivers (and more on interstates)) .

so last week on a drive from Annapolis to my home in southern Maryland, i drove the speed limit. this isn't a big deal on divided multi-lane roads, but on this particular drive there is a long stretch of single lane highway that is a major commuter road. it was on this stretch, as i was conscientiously obeying the speed limit, that a line of cars started to form behind me. this became for me - highly stressful. i like people to like me. but as i drove, i kept thinking of what all those behind me were thinking - nasty things - things that I think when i drive up on someone going too slow for my tastes.

i was tempted to pull over and let everyone pass, but i also worried that with the line so long, i would never get back on the road! and i was also stubborn enough not to press down on the gas pedal just to accommodate the speeders - after all i was going green. so i puttered along - stressing - until we got to the multi-lane highway where everyone could pass me. i stared straight ahead as they passed.

i did sleep well that night knowing that involuntarily i had earned some green credits for myself and involuntarily for others. i sure hope all those folk appreciate the favor i did them the next time they visit the gas pump.

what would our world be like if we all slowed down a little, stopped tailgating, and enjoyed the ride?