Years ago, on our first road trip together, I memorably (as in he’s never let me forget it) accused my now-husband of driving like a little old lady. Now, not to malign little old ladies, but let’s just say he did not take this as a compliment. He defended himself with a mini-lecture on the virtues of slowing down, taking in the scenery, and most importantly, driving at a speed that will ensure your car gets the best possible gas mileage. I am sure I responded with something like “whatever!” And wouldn’t you know it, the very next day, when I got behind the wheel, I drove myself right into a $200 speeding ticket. Laughed about the irony of that one all the way to traffic school, let me tell you.

I was thinking about this recently while watching the mileage on the screen of my fairly new Toyota Prius. I have discovered an added benefit to driving a hybrid: Not only do you get amazing gas mileage and super low emissions, it gives you intimate knowledge of your mpgs. There’s nothing like seeing it in neon lights to drive a point home. And while I suppose I sort of suspected it, my husband was absolutely right. (Don’t tell him, though.) Driving 55 mph is going to get you way better gas mileage then going 75. And driving the speed limit has the added benefit of not being illegal!

Speeding, rapid acceleraton and braking can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway, according to www.fueleconomy.gov. The report goes on to say that excess weight can also reduce your gas mileage, but we can talk about my diet another time!

Now I am not going to lie and say I never drive over the speed limit anymore. I am notoriously impatient and sometimes I just really need to get somewhere fast and what can I say, old habits die hard. But sometimes, more and more often lately, I will make myself at home in the slow lane and revel in the knowledge that I am getting the best possible gas mileage that I can.

Saving the Earth one mile at a time.