What speed to drive normally on a 60MPH road

[Jem]

Some people may want to save on fuel so thats why they may go 50

I was told by my instructor and the police just because it tells you you can it doesn't mean you have to

[al_roverMG]

Then Jem please accept what the majority (who are correct rather than your instructor and the police you have spoken to who are wrong) say that you should, unless there is something that makes it unsafe, travel at or very near to the speed limit.

As i said the rule of thumb is 10%. so on a national speed limit single carriage way you should be traveling at around 55 MINIMUM and not more than 66 MAXIMUM. you will actually find that the at 56mph in the ZSTD you will actually get 2mpg more than if you sit at 50. this is because your sat almost on the peak torque figure and so the engine is at the optimum revs for economy so i am afraid your "i do it for economy" argument is a little flawed.

The biggest fuel save of all though is observation. if you drive at a steady speed making proper use of the lanes on a multi lane carriage way (ie in the left lane unless overtaking) pulling out in reasonable time to overtake and judge it correctly you will get much better economy than those who come up behind someone to overtake and then check the mirrors. As an HGV driver u spend 1/2 your time looking in the mirrors and checking your blind spots, 4/10 looking forward and 1/10 checking your speed. If most car drivers did this then half hold ups we have today because someone has had to panic brake for a dozy driver which then brings the lane to a stop further back.

[Jem]

Originally Posted by al_roverMG

so i am afraid your "i do it for economy" argument is a little flawed.

Ok i see what you mean but in my defence the cars ive driven before like my last car a rover as soon as you hit 60 you could see the needle go down.


This is the first diesel car ive had and first car thats had real power

Like i said when i joined here ive no idea about cars LOL


I did my skid patch years ago same time as i did a advance course so things maye of changed

[arwilson80]

Originally Posted by al_roverMG

If most car drivers did this then half hold ups we have today because someone has had to panic brake for a dozy driver which then brings the lane to a stop further back.

The 'accordian effect'... Hateful! I generally 'read' the 2 (or 3) cars ahead to try and avoid it. Especially relevant on the M'way here as often the traffic slows from 70+ to 30 for no reason what-so-ever!

I have to say i rarely look at my speedo but i do watch mirrors, verges (for anything... people, animals, etc), telegraph poles (generally follow the curves of the road), and i can almost drive my 55 miles or so daily commute without needing to use my brakes (in general the only time i need to use them is for road ends, roundabouts, etc).

[Andyf]

Ahh the old telegraph pole trick, have you done the police driving course?! Next you'll be telling us about micro-climates, limit point analysis and breaking hazards down in to thirds

[arwilson80]

Nope... Just a 'plain old driver'.