What is the best cruise speed for a car?

The Sweet Spot: Finding the Best Cruise Speed for Fuel Efficiency and Flow

We all know the frustration of stop-and-go traffic. Crawling along, burning precious fuel, and getting nowhere fast. But what if there was a sweet spot, a speed that could help you navigate congested roads more efficiently, saving you both time and money at the pump? Surprisingly, there is.

While intuition might tell you to slow down to conserve fuel, studies suggest a slightly counterintuitive approach. For optimal traffic flow on congested roads, maintaining a speed slightly above 45 mph (72 km/h) can actually be more beneficial.

This isn’t about speeding. It’s about finding the Goldilocks zone of velocity. Too slow, and you become part of the problem, contributing to congestion and forcing others to brake and accelerate unnecessarily, wasting fuel. Too fast, and you risk dangerous tailgating and ultimately end up braking more frequently as you catch up to slower vehicles.

The key lies in maintaining a consistent speed slightly above the typical slow-down points. This often occurs around 45 mph in congested areas. By maintaining a slightly higher speed, you’re more likely to avoid the accordion effect of constant braking and accelerating, a major culprit in fuel inefficiency. This smoother flow benefits not just you, but the entire traffic stream.

Of course, this principle isn’t a universal law. Factors like road conditions, weather, and the specific traffic patterns at play all have a role. Heavy rain, for example, necessitates lower speeds for safety. Similarly, if traffic is truly at a standstill, maintaining 45 mph is obviously impossible and unsafe.

This “sweet spot” speed is more of a guideline for moderately congested conditions where traffic is still moving, but flow is disrupted by fluctuating speeds. By being mindful of this principle and adapting it to the current traffic situation, you can contribute to a smoother, more fuel-efficient commute for everyone. So, next time you’re stuck in traffic, consider aiming for that slightly-above-45 mph sweet spot. Your wallet and fellow drivers might thank you.