Fuel Economy: Driving Under Speed Limit?

[mayble]

The "sweet spot" for my Grand Caravan is between 45-55 mph, which gets me over 30 mpg.  Going 70 mph drops it down to about 25-26 mpg.
Just one reason I avoid the expressway unless I absolutely positively have to get somewhere asap.  Rolling along the back roads is more relaxing and more economical.  I really enjoy driving, and usually my weekend will involve at least one all-day roadtrip to visit family or just see the sights, scout out new parks, etc., so fuel economy is a biggie for me.  
When I sell the house and spend more time on the road I'll have to choose between fuel economy and living/storage space.  That will be a tough call.

 

[rvpopeye]

I enjoy the journey just as much as the destination , sometimes more.

Going slower has actually saved my life more than once.

 

[TrainChaser]

"Going slower has actually saved my life more than once."

That, and leaving enough maneuvering room between your rig and the back of the vehicle you're following. Twenty feet just doesn't cut it.

I learned something new a few months ago. It's obvious, once it's pointed out, but my last accident was in 1980, so I hadn't considered it:

When you are in a multiple-vehicle crash (like on the freeway), and hitting/getting hit multiple times like you see in some videos, THE AIRBAG ONLY WORKS ON THE FIRST BASH, and then your protection is gone.

A friend driving the legal limit on a surface street (50 mph) had one of the local yokels pull out in front of her from a driveway. Her SUV hit him broadside, the airbag went off & deflated, and she careened off his car into a power pole. Multiple injuries and four broken vertebrae.