The Cost of Driving
Bill Quaid
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"The high cost of driving ain't nothing like the cost of driving high."
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For years, Sacramentans have been complaining of irresponsible drivers on the streets. From too-quick acceleration to needless braking, it has been evident that drivers in the Greater Sacramento Area are not used to the latest outrageously high gas prices.
"She claims it was well worth the wait"
We spoke with Angela Bryce, an individual who finally decided enough is enough when it comes to unnecessary fuel consumption.
"I saw someone on the comment section of the EcoPlus gas additive who suggested economical driving courses. At that point, I knew what I was going to be doing that weekend." Of course, Ms. Bryce couldn't book a spot in the course for another three weeks, but she claims it was well worth the wait.
"I noticed the change in my behavior immediately. Before, I was either gassing or braking at all times. You could describe my velocity curve as something of a parabola, I never coasted or cruised. That's something they taught me, that coasting is a very viable option." Angela is a physics teacher at her local high school, so we were interested to hear how she applied her newfound knowledge to her profession.
What Ms. Bryce told us was fascinating. Prior to her course, Ms. Bryce had limited knowledge of the principles of acceleration, velocity, speed, and the relationship between these. We asked local city college Conceptual Physics professor Mark Kaufmann what he thought about this.
"It's really devastating. I have a hard time believing she was a teacher at all, I can't understand how she managed to prepare those kids for life. I don't think she did, really."
Scathing words from Professor Kaufmann, it was clear Ms. Bryce needed a wakeup call. She certainly seemed to find it in the economical driving course.
"I can't believe the course was only $480! I have gained at least a mile per gallon, I am saving three or four gallons of gas per month. The course is already paying for itself." Ms. Bryce told us over a zoom call. Our experts analyzed her claims and we did the math. According to Ms. Bryce's numbers, it will be over a year and a half before the course pays for itself. However, we do consider that gas prices may continue to rise and that Ms. Bryce's economical driving skills may continue to improve. However, one man is dubious.
"The initial confidence gain is significant"
"I have a really hard time believing Angela's skills will continue to improve. Based on historical trends, Angela's abilities following a training period fall off over just a few weeks. The initial confidence gain is significant and does not dwindle, however the performance gain is subtle and is quickly reduced. I do not believe Angela Bryce will be making her money back." Professor Kaufmann does not mince words, clearly. He has little hope for Ms. Bryce's economical driving career.
While we at Sacramento Special Report were unable to acquire a spot in the local economical driving course, we have great confidence in its ability to make Sacramento a safer and cleaner place to drive.
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