http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...364/1148/AUTO01 Another hybrid article, but, what's interesting are the last few paragraphs (below): "Because most hybrid vehicles are equipped with gauges showing when, and under what circumstances, drivers generate the biggest fuel savings, their owners have grown aware of the extent to which driving habits also influence fuel-efficiency. "Steven Turgeon of Atlanta has boosted the mileage on his 2004 Civic hybrid to more than 60 miles per gallon this winter from 55 two years ago by driving less aggressively. "'Our family also has a 2001 Grand Caravan," Turgeon said. "Using the same lessons learned in our hybrid car, we have raised its (fuel) economy from about 16 mpg to the lower 20s, simply by dumping the aggressive driving habit.'"
I've noticed an actual change in other drivers. Not all of them, mind you. And perhaps I'm just imaging it. But it seems that more drivers coast with me as I approach a stop light rather than hurrying up to slam on their brakes.
I also agree w/that statement. I drive a Denali, and after driving the Prius, I've changed my driving habits. ~Shawn
so have i. when i first got my Prius in summer '04, people were very impatient. now, i see a lot that seem to pace with me... probably because of what you are saying. admitting that does kinda blow out my fantasy of people just admiring my face... :blink:
More and more cars have NAV screens, not just hybrids, not just cars with NAV (mine is #1 and doesn't have it. ) And all cars have computers to some degree now too. I wonder how much extra it would be to allow ALL cars to show fuel consumption like the Prius does? With that kind of guidance ALL drivers can learn to drive better. Having a concrete, in your face, instant feedback on your driving is what changes driving habits. We all know about the gliding to a stop and jackrabbit starts when it comes to killing mileage. But with the screens, there it is. Something all cars can benefit from.
Kind of makes you wonder if people actually calculate their milage on their conventional cars when comparing them to the Prius. The Prius makes it easy to figure out your gas milage, since the car tells you what it is for the past 5 tanks. Someone who says something like "You only get 43MPG on your Prius? Well, I get 37MPG on my Accord." They might really only be getting 30 and just not know it.
