It doesn’t - but people don’t necessarily make rational choices regarding speed and driving. There’s a tendency to de personalize other drivers.

A slight increase in average speed really only makes a significant difference over long drives. (5 mph increase over a 10 hour drive can cut off 50 minutes).

Otherwise we are talking about small differences in efficiency.

(I would be very open to another opinion here.).

My opinions are formed by nearly ~2 million miles driven at this point, two different driving courses, and the motorcycle safety course.

One thing I truly think that’s overlooked is how reduced road noise in the vehicle cabin can both reduce driver fatigue, but also frustration in traffic.

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alexose 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

> A slight increase in average speed really only makes a significant difference over long drives.

Yes! I feel like I can't shout this loud enough. In addition to maintaining a safe driving distance, just leave a little earlier. The stuff I've seen people do in order to save 20 seconds boggles the mind.

Unfortunately, I think commuters fall into a gamification mindset. They're trying to set a new lap record each day, and you can see the results just by driving (or walking) during rush hour...

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badc0ffee 5 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> (5 mph increase over a 10 hour drive can cut off 50 minutes)

You can't really say that without knowing the starting speed, or alternatively the distance. All you can say is that a 5 mph increase over a 10 hour drive with get you 50 miles farther.

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yial 5 hours ago | parent [-]

I would argue I can still say it /can/ cut off 50 minutes.

If you do a comparison of a 600 mile trip at 60 vs 55 you’re pretty close.

But yes, to be pedantic and more exact, you are spot on that it will get you 50 miles closer.

But in real world examples,

If you’re traveling 700 miles.

65 vs 70, 70 will reduce your time by 43 minutes.

So in certain scenarios, 5 mph difference must be able to save you 50 minutes ! ;)

(I do understand your point, and you’re correct. I’m just poking fun at it- my point with the mph difference is because 50 miles doesn’t have the same translation for most people at 50 minutes, but is a more accurate data approach. )

	▲	badc0ffee 19 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		> So in certain scenarios, 5 mph difference must be able to save you 50 minutes ! ;) That is true. If you're going 55 mph for 10 hours, you'll go 550 miles. Increase your speed to 60 mph, and you'll get there at 9 hours 10 minutes.