Three Steps to 60 Miles Per Gallon

I recently discovered the secret to getting 60 mpg, in three steps.

1. Get a Prius and drive it at 70 mph on freeways, getting 45 mpg for 2 years.
   
2. Assume that the advertised EPA fuel efficiency numbers are just plain wrong and could never reflect real-world driving.
3. One day decide to experiment slowing down to 55 mph and voilà! 60 mpg is well within reach (see dashboard image above).
   

Of course, I feel somewhat silly now that I've relearned the obvious. Actually, it's worse, because it's just another instance of the difference between knowing and doing.

PS: as part of this ongoing series of experiments, I've also rediscovered the "you get what you pay for" principle. In this case, a gas station selling at $0.10/gallon less than this other one was also selling me fuel economy that only ever reached 51 mpg even at 55 mph. Pay 2.2% more, get 15% more. Pretty fair deal if you ask me.

080803 Update: The mileage difference between I-280 and US-101 for my commute stretch (SF Peninsula) is as much as 15%! 60mpg for US-101, 52mpg for I-280, both at 55mph. You don't get back energy as much as you give over those rolling hills of 280.