Wanna improve your gas mileage by about 15%? Drive 55mph instead of 65mph.
You don't have to ride your bike to work, sell your SUV, or use Ethanol to make a difference. Although those things are great and can go a long way towards making a difference, there is a simpler solution… slow down. 



Background

In 2001, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimated Americans drive an average of 35 miles a day in personal vehicles. With the U.S. population booming at more than 303 million, that’s about 3.8 trillion miles driven each year. More specifically, every man, woman, and child accounts for about 12,775 miles a year. It’s no wonder the United States makes up more than 45% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Combined with an average of 24.5 miles per gallon fuel efficiency and gas prices exceeding $3.65 a gallon, you can quickly see how Americans are spending a fortune on transportation, while watching their budgets shrink. 



Save Money

On average Americans go through 1.42 gallons of gas each day. They’re spending about $5.18 a day on gas. Over a year’s time that adds up to an annual expenditure of $1,890 for the individual and more than $570 billion dollars for the nation. 



One of the dominant factors in fuel economy is speed. At speeds greater than 60 miles per hour, fuel efficiency dramatically decreases. Research shows reducing rates by just 10 mph can significantly improve gas mileage. An average sedan can see gas efficiency of about 15% by driving around 55 miles per hour.



Based on an average price of $3.65 a gallon, the concept of slowing down has the potential to save every individual about $.78 a day. While that may not seem like much, added up over a year, an individual can save nearly $300. More impressive is the cumulative effect that can occur when millions of America’s drivers do the same. The collective effort will make for a savings greater than $85 million dollars a year.



Save Environment

Not only will this save valuable dollars from American’s budgets, it can reduce harmful emissions. In the world, American vehicle transportation makes up 45% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Next to electricity generation, the transportation industry is the second largest contributor to Carbon Dioxide emissions in the United States. Carbon dioxide from automobiles makes up about 20% of the 5,870 million metric tons from those emissions. Reducing speeds can reduce those emissions by about 15%, an annual savings of more than 170 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. That’s nearly a half a million metric tons a day.





Save Lives

Research shows that as automobile speeds increase, so does the risk for serious injury and death. Reducing speeds can make the roadways a safer place by lessening the number of fatal and serious injury collisions.



Stats:

Individual Average Miles Traveled Daily: 35 miles 

U.S. Average Miles Traveled Daily: 10.6 billion miles



Average Gas Mileage: 24.5 mpg

Average National Gas Price: $3.65



Individual Average Daily Fuel Consumption: 1.42 gallons

Individual Average Daily Fuel Spending: $5.18

Individual Average Annual Fuel Consumption: 518 gallons

Individual Average Annual Fuel Spending: $1,890

Individual Average Daily Savings from Slowing Down: $.78

Individual Average Annual Savings from Slowing Down: $284 



National Average Daily Fuel Consumption: 430 million gallons

National Average Daily Fuel Spending: $1.6 billion

National Average Annual Fuel Consumption: 157 billion gallons a year

National Average Annual Fuel Spending: $573 billion (based on $3.65/ gallon)

National Average Daily Savings from Slowing Down: $235,425

National Average Annual Savings from Slowing Down: $85.5 million



Conclusion

In this time of high gas prices, reduced household budgets, and heightened concern over global warming, slowing down has valuable benefits. Becoming an “eco-driver” saves cents and only makes sense! For just one day, join us in accomplishing what has been taking auto manufacturers decades to do… save money, save the planet, and save lives. Enjoy the ride.



About Founders

National Drive
Slow Day is a simple concept organized by a team of two from Duluth, Minnesota
and brought to life by the thousands of Americans who choose to participate.
It's about getting the word out, being part of the solution, and making a
difference in the world we live. Founders Michelle Lee and Julie Pearce decided
even small grassroots efforts can have a lasting impact and lead to significant
change.