Gas prices, Traffic, and Speeding

[cabmandone]

What do they have to do with each other?

We went on a river fishing trip up to Manistee MI over the weekend. As we were driving we were paying attention to gas prices. Our discussion turned to gas prices and how it relates to traffic volume and speed.

The last time gas prices really took off the way they have recently, it seemed to reduce the amount of traffic on the road. It also seemed like people were driving at or slightly below posted speed limits on the interstate. This time around, the roads were plenty busy and most, including myself, were going at least five over the posted speed limit. My brother and I were both a little surprised at how much traffic there was on the road.

Maybe we're just early in this but the prices didn't seem to change how people drive much. Anyone else noticing that traffic volume and speed seem less effected than the last time gas prices made a big jump?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I drove to CT and back yesterday, mostly at 75 to 85, 300+ mile trip. Normal traffic, normal speeds.

[cabmandone]

That was pretty much what we saw as well. We take this trip a few times each year and the traffic volume and speed seemed pretty much unchanged. My car was averaging about 21 MPG running pretty much 75-80 mph. I know that slowing down to 65-70 I could have improved my mileage but I'd have probably been flipped off countless numbers of times around Ft Wayne, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

[stevej37]

It would be interesting to see the accident rate since covid started.
In MI, on this side of the state anyway, the Police patrols have been almost non-existent. (as far as pulling people over)

I don't think I saw one patrol car parked in the median of the x-way in the last year or more....and I drive a lot.

[cabmandone]

Around Grand Rapids, going up and coming back, we noticed a lot of police in the median. You'd have the traffic rolling 80 mph or better and then suddenly they're slowing to below the posted speed limit. Yep! Cop ahead. Didn't see a lot of people getting stopped going either direction. Did see a lot of vehicles with flat tires though!

[stevej37]

Yeah..my experience above is more from the long open stretches of highway north of GR.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Yeah..my experience above is more from the long open stretches of highway north of GR.

Yeah things above GR thinned out.

[URY914]

Also watch to see if big SUV and truck sales will slow down now. They usually take a dive when fuel prices go up. How about dumbazzs "burning coal" ?

[Bugsinrugs]

Had to get to the SF Bay Area last night about a 120 mile trip. It’s hard to drive 65 when everyone is going 75-80 mph. Gas here is 5.49 and traffic is still heavy. I must say that most vehicles coming back from skiing were Teslas.

[cabmandone]

I wasn't paying attention to the Diesel price. I think it was $5.45/gal. Sadly that probably won't be enough to put a damper on rollin coal.

[upsscott]

My Gladiator is about the worst a vehicle can possibly be when it comes to aerodynamics. When doing around town driving I’m lucky to get 13mpg. I started using the start/stop feature recently and I’ve noticed a 2mpg increase. I’m now averaging just over 15mpg.

[pavulon]

The local Ford lot is filling up with new and used pickups including 2 new and 2 used Raptors. The new Raptors have been there about a month and had their window stickers removed before hitting the lot. They also were not listed on the dealer website. Not sure how Ford saw dealer markups but could see that being an issue resulting in non-listing and no window stickers.

Maybe Ford is starting to worry about their heavy shift to pick-up and SUV production?

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by cabmando

I know that slowing down to 65-70 I could have improved my mileage but I'd have probably been flipped off countless numbers of times around Ft Wayne, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

Charlotte to Akron last Friday. 77 North was almost combat driving with me driving a packed mini van with stuff also strapped on the roof. 65-70 was my speed and I was barked at several times even when in the right lane. Just not fast enough and the other peeps that were entitled to 85-90, well I just ruined it for them.

A new F350 with dual rear wheels passed me at 95-100 mph. It was strange seeing something that big going that fast.

[Superman]

Cops are no longer interested in cars going 70-75. They can easily find someone going 90+ now.

[stevej37]

Most of the miles on MI X-way are 75 mph now. They upped it a few years back.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Most of the miles on MI X-way are 75 mph now. They upped it a few years back.

I noticed that! I know somewhere I was doing 80mph but I don't recall what stretch it was. I told my brother "It's probably killing my fuel mileage but we're makin time baby!"

I was on M55 which is 2 lane for the most part. I think the speed limit was 65 there. That or that's just how fast I chose to go .

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Superman

Cops are no longer interested in cars going 70-75. They can easily find someone going 90+ now.

They are when I'm in a 55mph zone!!

[911 Rod]

My right foot doesn't know about the increased gas prices.
We need to talk.

[Steve Carlton]

People are tired of being denied.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

People are tired of being denied.

I do think the shutdowns we experienced do come into play. "F it I'm gonna do my thing"

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

My right foot doesn't know about the increased gas prices.
We need to talk.

My brain and my right foot are having a massive battle right now. I think my right foot is winning. My left foot is trying to play the middle. Its sayin "hey fella, pump the brakes a little there."