I am a truck driver. My partner is also and owns a hybrid. We both applaud saving fuel. But PLEASE DO NOT draft a tractor-trailer. Not even with the one second rule and in one corner so we can see you. It is NOT safe!!! That extra bit of fuel you are saving is NOT worth your life. With all the driving you are doing and the internet surfing you must see the accidents that are covered by the media. No, not all of those are caused by drafting. Do YOU want to be the one that is? Both my partner and I deliberately slow down to force "drafters" to go around us at an acceptable speed. Have you seen those pieces of tires laying out there on the freeway? They come off our trucks at EXTREME force. One second is NOT enough reaction time.

Our best to all of you and please be safe while driving!!!

I drive at 64 miles per hour over hill and over dale. By the time Ithink of drafting, you're down the road. How fast you guys moving?

I agree but have no problem with following at a safe distance behind trucks, especially the loaded ones that cruise at 65 miles per hour. What happens is traffic doesn't run-up and tailgate me but simply changes lanes and moves forward.



Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

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i was interviewed for the article that mentioned the close drafting, and it's not something i do. however, i do have a couple of things that you guys might pass around that would help the travel. many times i am driving 60 in the right lane, and a semi comes up behind. surely he can see for some time that i am going slower than he is, however he waits until he is right on my bumper to change lanes. some kind of message? i am not sure, but it's darn scary.

also......in the winter, do you ever look on top of your truck to see how much snow is up there. have you ever been passed by a semi with a swirling snow cloud following it that leaves you driving blind? it happens in a similar manner in a heavy rain.

we all share the roads, but you guys also need to realize the effect that some of your driving has on us in small cars, no matter what speed we are going.

Best fill 66.7 MPG, best tank 801.5 miles



laurie, central minnesota

For the record, I was interviewed for a hypermiling article in Edmonds. I was asked what was the edgiest hypermiling tatic and mentioned close drafting, then went on to stress I'm not endorsing it. Furthermore, the opprotunities it would increase fuel economy are limited. If the truck is not going at a steady speed that is at least somewhat moderate for a long distance - it's just not worth it. At least 95% of my driving is in the Dallas/Fort Worth area - the traffic just does not lend itself to this kind of driving.

Yes - it's risky....but how often can it be done?

Hazardous driving happens a lot on the roads, but close drafting is relatively rare.

This topic is often a red herring to say all hypermiling is dangerous.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

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"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

I never do it.
I think it is nuts.

Still I average 63.4 MPG on a car the EPA estimates at 50.

Need fewer troops to support.
Drive a hybrid.
Best tank 71.65 MPG.

Before this car I spent two years learning hypermiling on my 2004 HCH1.

As the previous 1-2 posts said, it happens a lot less frequently that many other questionable driving behaviors - I don't do this coming to work. The occasional responses I get lead me to think...if this was a police chief and he went after drafting instead of DUI, how long would he have his job?

Red herring.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

Semis tailgate. They speed. In 1500 miles on the 15, and thence to the 80 Some guy
will run up on my tail. Forget about draftiing at 65 miles per hour. Those suckers are moving at 70+.

Pray tell, what's a, "safe" distance. In a bicycle pace line, you can save around 20-25% of effort. What do you gain drafting a, "loaded" truck at a, "safe" distance.

How fast you rolling anyway?

Tip for truckers, don't slow down to stop drafters, speed up. People draft to save fuel. The slower you go they more fuel they are saving, and the more attractive a draft target you will be.

Heck, some might consider your slowing down as an invitation to draft.

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You ever notice how hard it is to lip read cartoon characters?
"Crazy is what the sane call Delta Flyer"

Safe distance, no closer than the spacing between power lines. Anything less than 2 seconds is risky and 3 seconds is much more comfortable. Mostly, I want to have time to avoid road debre.

I try to roll at 65 miles per hour and under. A heavily loaded, slow truck is the perfect shield.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.