Earlier this year, I changed the way I drive.  I wrote about this on my other blog, CTRealEstateUnleashed.com.

I don't need to tell you how expensive it is to be in a business that requires you be in the car all the time.  Where I once spent $30/week on gas, I was looking at $60/week. Anyway you look at it, that just stinks.  What's a girl to do?

Without changing my car, inflating my tires (nudge,nudge) or biking to showings like this Realtor in California (helmet hair is not for me), I've managed to save about one gallon of gas per week, or about $4.00.

Over a year, the savings would be around $200-$250.  When you annual gas costs are up in the thousands of dollars, that's not a lot of money but it's better than nothing.

I did it very simply - I've been driving the speed limit, accelerating slower and braking less often.  In addition to improving my gas mileage, I've learned a few things along the way:

I am a better, safer driver.

Almost every other driver on the road is a homicidal maniac (like I once was). I can't tell you how many hand gestures I've had thrown my way lately. Right back at ya'.

I don't lose that much time - maybe 2-3 minutes.  However, sometimes I speed up when my daughter is having a fit in the backseat just to spend 2-3 minutes less with her in the car.

Be prepared to be rear-ended at some point.  It's just a risk you take.

I'm going to save a few hundred dollars in speeding tickets.

I actually get to see where I'm going - the scenery is no longer a blur.

Several of my clients have told me that they appreciate my slower driving style, especially when they are following me to a showing. 

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