I had noticed a similar phenomenon, which I've mentioned before. After I got my FEH, I was cruise controlling at 65
MPH, in the middle right lane on the expressways I use, and was passed by most cars, and out of the rightmost lane for people who got on and off not to have to plan around me. Everyone was happy. After gas prices shot way up, I actually found myself in the leftmost lane at times, going the same speed and passing all the cars on the expressway! As time went on, and now that gas prices are back to 2 bucks a gallon here, I'm back to being the turtle as I was before the gas price spikes.
Here in the Motor City, we're getting our first real taste of Winter, with lots of snow, slippery roads, etc (and about 300 accidents across SE Michigan). I had to go out today, but it was kind of interesting to note how my driving style is somewhat conducive to Winter driving, lots of braking time/space, lower speeds, etc. Just something interesting I noticed.