Is Hypermiling Safe?

In the wake of hybrid and electric cars, many people are trying to find new ways to conserve as much of their gasoline as possible. Some consumers have even made a competition out of maintaining the best mile-per-gallon rating for their vehicle. These so-called hypermilers, or those car owners who push the limits of their gas tank, may seem like ecologically sensible, well-minded drivers to most, albeit occasionally a little slow on the highways. However, some maneuvers lauded among the more extreme portions of the hypermiling community are actually very dangerous and can lead to serious injury.

If you have had your property damaged or been injured by a reckless driver, contact the Charleston car accident lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 to speak with a legal advisor today.

Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Things like tire maintenance or accelerating less quickly are often cited among moderate hypermilers as great, and safe, ways to improve gas mileage. However, there are more drastic tactics reserved for advanced hypermilers that some may take up to increase their fuel economy. Among these, the following are fairly common:

• Engine-off coasting, where engines are actually turned off while driving
• Over-inflation of tires, which can lead to blowouts
• Rat-running, or cutting through traffic via backstreets, alleys, and residential streets
• Rolling through a stop sign
• Speeding followed by coasting, known as pulse and glide

There are less dangerous versions of most of these tactics, and it would be wrong to say that all hypermilers are hazardous to other motorists. However, fuel economy is no trade-off for the health and safety of those on the road.

Contact Us

If you have been injured by the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to take legal action. Contact the Charleston car accident lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 today to discuss your potential claim.