Cops: 'Hypermiling' Often Risky, Illegal

AAA Agrees; Master Hypermiler Clarifies Suggested Techniques, Tells Motorists To Steer Clear Of Dangerous Maneuvers (CBS) Police and automotive experts say over-the-top attempts by some drivers to boost their gas mileage could be endangering them and other motorists. The AAA and Connecticut State Police are warning against extreme measures in "hypermiling," a practice in which unusual techniques are used to boost vehicles' mileage. They include rolling through stop signs to avoid braking, turning off a car's engine or shifting into neutral to coast down hills, over-inflating tires to decrease rolling resistance against pavement, and other techniques. One action that authorities say is particularly dangerous is called "drafting," tailgating big rigs in hopes of cutting wind resistance and being pulled along in a truck's wake.... [read full story]