Why Prius gets tailgated? I found an unexpected answer!

I was in the market for a scangauge, ecoroute HD, etc. And I landed on multiple websites and forums of "Hypermilers" I never expected this because some of these are F-150 and Dodge Ram Drivers talking about their findings from drafting another car or semi-truck. I find this very surprising because I thought drivers in those vehicle didn't care about mpg and most definitely cannot be mentioned with hypermiling in the same sentence. They just proved me wrong!

Drafting is stupid and dangerous IMHO, but the next time you get tailgated, maybe... just maybe that truck/suv is trying to show you they care about mpg also

Drive Slower or Drive Faster behind a Semi? Which is more efficient? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

 

Well when I think drafting I think NASCAR, hopefully you are not doing that

HowStuffWorks "How NASCAR Drafting Works"

 

That makes sense, but since the semi has such a high clearance, there must be alot of disturbed air (you can tell I am no expert) coming from the bottom. I am sure there is a science to drafting i.e. speeds, distance blah blah... Just too lazy to read up on it since I hate tailgaters. To me tailgaters = drafting

I think keeping a distance and never or rarely have to use the breaks on highway is better than drafting/breaking in terms of mpg. Unless of course you have a "Shake and Bake" partner that you can rely on to draft behind.



To me I don't think the mpg/$$ you save from drafting can possibility justify putting yourself and others at risk. And I rather not suck up all that exhaust fumes, or get hit by rocks and debris. Of course, I chose not to even run on LRR tires and opted for better handling, so safety trumps mpg in my book.

 

Damn racer/hypermilers

HowStuffWorks "What is hypermiling?"

 

It is illegal here as well, $100+ fines depending on location. But similar to jaywalking and other "minor" offenses, our police force seems to overlook them and opt for catching excessive speeder, DUI, etc. I have a cousin in the NYPD, he told me about having a pot for the highest ticket for the month when he was in the traffic department.

 

Most local laws are vague at best. Most calls for allowing 2 seconds away from lead vehicle, 3 seconds at night, and 4 seconds in bad weather. So on the highway (60mph) 2 seconds would be over 170 feet No wonder the law is rarely enforced.

Some other places uses even more vague adjectives: drive dangerously close behind another vehicle, or More closely than is reasonable and prudent.